The North West Provincial Government has in its concerted effort to bring a lasting solution to the recurring water and sanitation challenges in Madibeng Local Municipality which covers Majakaneng village near Brits, tasked Sedibeng Water with the responsibility to assess and come up with measures that can put an end to the water challenges in this municipality.
This comes in the wake of violent demonstrations by Majakaneng residents who this week barricaded the N4 road between Rustenburg and Pretoria, protesting about lack of water.
The decision to bring in Sedibeng Water is linked to the pronouncements made by Premier Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo of the North West Province, who early last month met with all Municipal Mayors, Municipal Managers and Members of the Executive Council, during which meeting it was resolved amongst others that all municipalities must present their infrastructure maintenance plans by end February 2015, complete water infrastructure plans by March 2015, submit lists of all infrastructure projects which require intervention and submit water and sanitation Master Plans before February 15.
Condemning the Majakaneng violent protests which saw residents burning three trucks last night, Premier Mahumapelo appealed to the residents to exercise patience and desist from damaging properties, saying “violence should not be seen as a means to resolving problems”.
“We acknowledge the fact that water is a basic right which can never be taken away from the citizens of this country. The Provincial Government is deeply concerned about the apparent challenges faced by a number of municipalities in the Province in so far as provision of water to communities is concerned, and we are doing everything in our power to address such challenges”, said Premier Mahumapelo who pleaded with communities to join hands with government in bringing stability in the area.
Mahumapelo also issued a stern warning to Ward Councillors who continue to avoid holding meetings with communities, saying it is such intolerable acts that exacerbate the state of affairs as communities remain uninformed of government’s programme of action.
The Department of Local Government and Human Settlements is today having a special meeting with relevant parties in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, this in an attempt to come up with immediate interventions to the current situation in Majakaneng village.
For enquiries, contact
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Cell: 082 901 2435?
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Ben Bole
Cell: 071 566 1399
E-mail: msbole@nwpg.gov.za
