The first phase of the R580 million Taung /Naledi Bulk Water Supply Project launched by the Minister for Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa and North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise over the past weekend will augment bulk water supply scheme and bring relief to thousands of villagers who had to travel long distances to draw water.
Monti Mosele, a 58 year old resident of Taung, is one of the many people in the area of Taung who travels a distance of 15 km to fetch water for his family.
Mosele who uses his donkey cart to fetch water for household usage, vegetable garden and for his livestock says that life has never been easy as he and his wife were not working and cannot afford to buy water sold in the village by one farmer.
“I am forced to go to the river to fetch water for my family for cooking and drinking purposes therefore we are thrilled by the new bulk water supply pipeline to be constructed as it will be able to provide the vast community of Taung and the surrounding villages with consumable water,” he said.
The construction of the pipeline from Taung Dam to the new Pudumoe Water Treatment Works which is currently under construction will augment bulk water supply to the community of Naledi and Greater Taung Local Municipalities within the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
Premier Modise highlighted the impact the projects would have on the livelihoods of communities whose population is estimated to be about 186, 139 as per 2010 figures and projected to grow to about 217, 429 by the year 2030.
Modise pointed that with climate change effects which could increase devastating effects, proper planning can help in preventing floods in the area prone to floods by creating catchment areas and disturbing the water for domestic, agricultural and other uses.
“It is critical that government monitor the implementation of the North West Provisioning Management Plan to ensure that there is always an adequate supply of water in the province,” she said.
Minister Molewa said for government to achieve this it is of paramount importance to resolve numerous challenges that include sustainable water supply and management to ensure that scarce water resources are available for sustaining and growing the economy.
“We will do everything in our power as government to ensure that this project covers all other areas with similar challenges so that our people are not subjected to situations where they have to struggle to receive basic services such as water and sanitation.
My department together with the provincial government, municipalities, private sector, and civil society will continue to engage on water issues affecting different provinces,” added Minister Molewa.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 086 620 4802
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
