DWS Minister Nkwinti continues with a positive engaging leadership to ensure water projects are prioritised
The Minister of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Mr Gugile Nkwinti was warmly received by the political and traditional leadership, as well as the community of Giyani on Saturday 12 May during his interaction around the issues surrounding the Giyani Water Project.
Minister Nkwinti was clear that his visit was for fact-finding. “I came here for strategy and tactics; to hear the community before delivering the upcoming DWS Budget Vote. I need to have a clear way forward articulated on the Project as it is very important for government work. If need be, there will be reprioritisation as we need to turn the project around, including work on the further 38 villages still un-served”.
The Mopani District Municipality, led by the Executive Mayor Nkakareng Rakgwale, was appreciative of the Minister’s visit and engagement, with the Executive Mayor emphasising the need for active Inter-Governmental Relations, which appreciates the separation of powers, whilst ensuring the understanding of a single government.
At the community meeting at the hall, community member were encouraged to say what their appreciation and difficulties are so far as the delivery of this project is concerned. The issues raised included that pipes have not resulted in water availability; over a period of six years there continues to be intermittent supplies; the Mopani DM and Greater Giyani LM must share capacity according to needs.
Further, some villages are still bypassed by the pipes supplying water elsewhere; some boreholes around Blackwater need refurbishment; the community including traditional leadership must be included in discussions; ageing infrastructure (boreholes); that there should be devolution of WSA powers from DM to LM levels; water supply from Nwamitwa Dam should also be prioritised, and boreholes around Kremetart do not function.
The Executive Mayor, on behalf of the municipality, remarked that the input from the community is appreciated and important; that the Project was initially meant to cover 55 villages, but that the suggestion that all villages must be covered will be considered. She also directed the Municipal Manager to immediately ensure that all areas without or with intermittent supplies must be attended to by the District Municipality.
In closing, Minister Nkwinti said: “the Project is high on the priority list of Parliament; the proposal for the establishment of a steering committee is sensible. Let us remember that the idea behind IDPs was that all three spheres of government will work together led by the municipality.
“I appreciate all the inputs received today. I will take these into account during the presentation of the DWS Budget Vote speech upcoming. The inputs will assist me to speak with confidence around matters of the Giyani Water Project”.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
