Sustainable water is a collaborative undertaking between government, communities and other stakeholders, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa cautioned during the launch of the R1.7 billion Pilanesberg Bulk Water Project in Ntswana-le-metsing outside Rustenburg this week.
“The project we are launching today highlights the necessity for government, private sector and the general public to come together to provide and sustain equitable water supply to all,” Molewa said on Wednesday.
“I consider it highly significant that the impetus for this project embraces this principle of working together and has responded to our call for collaboration in this manner,” she added.
The Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Scheme is a partnership of the Department of Water Affairs, the North West Provincial Government together with the Moses Kotane Local Municipality and Bojanala Platinum District Municipality to benefit. more than 57 villages in the Moses Kotane and Rustenburg Local municipalities, support local mining industry and support job creation.
So far the project has already created 13 452 jobs.
In appealing to communities to exercise their democratic rights to vote on 7 May, Minister Molewa highlighted that the project was resonating very well with the theme “celebrating 20 years of water delivery for social and economic development.”
It is envisaged that the scheme will also be extended to Koster, Swartruggens and other villages in the Kgetlheng River Local Municipality.
Welcoming the initiative, Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela Tribal Authority said he was happy that the government has responded magnificently to the water challenges that the community has experienced.
He said this was a clear indication that the government cared about the needs of communities and that it was serious about service delivery.
The Mayor of Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Councillor Fetsang Mokati-Thebe said that her municipality is excited about the project as it will deliver skills to communities.
“We wish to appeal to our communities to safeguard water and not to destroy properties as this is a legacy that will bear fruit for many years to come,” Mokati-Thebe said.
She appealed to members of the communities to ensure that taps are properly closed to avoid water leakages.
Twenty-six -year old Emily Busang from the neighbouring village of Ledig said she was excited about the economic growth and other prospects.
Premier Thandi Modise had earlier said that the project will, in addition to the wellbeing of the communities, contribute significantly towards the economic growth of the region and the province.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
