Officials involved on the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer Upgrade Project have been sternly urged to apply sense of urgency in resolving disputes that impede effective implementation of water projects to the detriment of communities in need of basic water services.
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, his deputy, Mr David Mahlobo, Polokwane Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Mosema Mpe echoed each other on Thursday, 24 August 2023 at Kievits Kroon Wine Estate outside Pretoria during a meeting with Lepelle Northern Water on the state of water in Polokwane.
The aim of the meeting was to receive progress report on the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer Upgrade Project that is meant to address water challenges in the Capricorn District, Sekhukhune District, Polokwane Local Municipalities and surrounding areas. The projects entail the refurbishment and upgrading of aging water infrastructure to meet the current water demands of the increasing population.
Phase 1A of the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer Upgrade Project includes the refurbishment of the water scheme to function at full capacity of 114 m/l per day by October 2024 and to be increased to 144 m/l per day by 2026, depending on the funding. Meanwhile, phase 1b is aimed at increasing the capacity to 180 m/l per day by 2027. Phase 2 of the project is earmarked to increase production to 270 m/l per day by 2029.
Giving marching orders to the officials from the department, Lepelle and Polokwane Local Municipality, Minister Mchunu said they need to revise the plans to implement the project and come up with workable solutions that will address the current challenges.
Deputy Director-General responsible for Water and Sanitation Services, Mr Risimati Mathye presented 12-point plan that is set to unlock challenges facing all stakeholders directly involved in the project. These include amongst others, concrete partnership with Development Bank of Southern Africa, improved contract management, improved capacity, improved decision making and good governance.
Minister Mchunu implored all those involved in the project to take their work seriously with dedicated project managers to oversee the work done on the ground. He asked for regular updates with clear timelines on when certain aspects of the project will be completed.
Cllr Mpe applauded the Minister Mchunu for his intervention on long-standing issues, adding that it is about time the tide is turned because there is an increased demand for water in the City of Polokwane, therefore there has to be a speedy resolution to issues.
For more information, contact:
Wisane Mavasa
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 060 561 8935
E-mail: mavasaw@dws.gov.za
Or
Kamogelo Mogotsi
Spokesperson for the Ministry
Cell: 076 523 0085.
