NWest Premier Modise calls for action against a farmer for Swartruggens water interruptions
North West Premier Thandi Modise has called on authorities to take action against a farmer who is alleged to have closed a water valve resulting in water interruption to Swartruggens town and Borolelo Township on Sunday.
“We appeal to our communities not to be provoked to anger by this supposed act of sabotage and racism that need to be thoroughly investigated,” emphasised Premier Modise who is awaiting a written comprehensive report on the incident.
Modise who has proposed that an urgent court interdict prohibiting the farmer from intimidating the operator be applied for if necessary added that it is not justifiable for water to be cut off for communities for the benefit of the environment and animals and for any person to tamper with municipal infrastructure supply water to communities.
It is alleged that the farmer accompanied by a police officer instructed the operator on site not to pump water to allow water to reach his animals downstream.
Premier Modise has called on municipalities to tighten security at their water pumps given to avoid acts of sabotage that will result in water supply to communities.
Swartruggens and Borolelo are among the areas that are to benefit from reprioritised short term water project intervention plan for which close to R34 million has been budgeted for implementation in Kgetleng Rivier Local Municipality.
As per the Memorandum of Understanding and the project implementation plan signed by the Premier Modise and the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs close to R14 million is to be spent on water projects interventions in Swartruggens & Borolelo Township. Other areas that are to benefit Derby, Borolelo, Koster, Reagile and Mazista.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
