The announcement to lay a R2,8 million pipeline that will connect a reservoir to two boreholes to supply water to the village of Jericho was made in August by officials of Department of Water and Sanitation, provincial Local Government and Human Settlements and Madibeng Local Municipality. Magalies Water, which was appointed as an implementing agent, appointed a contractor who laid a pipeline two months ago to supply water in the area.
However, there are disturbing reports that the pipe has been vandalised.
The contractor started his work by conducting a site establishment and employing locals to create jobs in the area. The first phase includes the laying of a pipeline from a local river to a borehole. However, this first phase of the project will not employ many people because of its small nature. Dozens of locals were employed to dig a trench. The second phase will see the employment of more people as the phase will involve massive pipeline development from Brits town to Jericho.
The laying of the current pipe was part of Phase One of the water project that will supply water to the existing boreholes. According to a plan, Phase One was supposed to be completed in September before Phase Two is implemented. The second phase will include yard connections of households in the village to enable residents to access water close by. A pipeline will be connected to the Brits Water Treatment Plant to ensure a regular supply of drinking water.
The department is concerned about reports of damage to the pipeline by unknown people. We hope that the law will take its cause and the culprits will be brought to book. Meanwhile, we will continue with our endeavours to ensure that the people of Jericho are supplied with water as planned. We will continue to work closely with the Administrator, Kele Mogamisi, and officials of the North West Department of Local Government and Human Settlements to find a lasting solution to the problem.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
