Water tanks roll out to schools in full swing in Limpopo
The Department of Water and Sanitation has allocated 431 water tanks to various identified schools in Limpopo, and 253 of these have already been installed at schools and are in use.
The department has partnered with the Department of Basic Education and its water entity and an implementing agent of this roll out, Rand Water to ensure that no school will be without water as the country intensifies its fight against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Both the Departments entered into an Implementation Protocol Agreement for the supply of water tanks to schools across the country.
Some schools that have benefitted from this roll out are in Vhembe District, Giyani, Tzaneen, Maruleng, Ba-Phalaborwa, and Greater Letaba Municipalities
Water tankers (trucks) have also been dispatched to refill the tanks regularly so that learners and teachers have uninterrupted water supply. This is in line with government’s resolve to ensure that everyone has access to clean and reliable water and to keep up with recommendations of the World Health rganisation. This is to create an enabling environment for leaners and teachers to regularly wash their hands with soap and reduce the spread of the virus.
The Department of Water and Sanitation will ensure that water tankers (trucks) draw water from different Water Treatment Works and boreholes across the province to refill the installed tanks at periodic intervals. .
Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu appealed on communities to take care of the tanks provided to schools and report any criminal activities done against them, whether it is theft or destruction of the tanks.
She also reminded the communities to continue to practice restraint when using water.
“While you are washing your hands, keep in mind that South Africa is a water scarce country and therefore you should avoid water wastage. Let us save this precious water resource we have currently. We do encourage people to practice the culture of washing their hands regularly, especially during critical times of COVID-19 pandemic, but let us also use this water prudently”, she said.
For more information contact Sputnik Ratau, Director Media Liaison on 082 874 2942
