Deputy Minister Pamela Tshwete accompanied by the Mayor of Emalahleni Councillor Nomveliso Nyukwana and Portfolio Councillor Plata from the Chris Hani District Municipality addressed the people of Lady Frere and surrounding villages on the water and sanitation challenges at the Lady Frere Sports stadium on Monday 13 June 2016. The Deputy Minister’s visit emanated from the concerns raised by some of the people from that part of the province during the popular Umhlobo Wenene Fm talk show on 30 March 2016 midnight.
The main challenge in Lady Frere is old infrastructure which impacts negatively on water pressure thus affecting water supply. The callers pleaded with the Deputy Minister to provide money to their municipality so that they can draw water from nearby dams to supply the surrounding villages.
Climate change is a reality and its effects are real. Drought is also upon us which means that the little water that we have must be used sparingly. We have 280 pupils from Chris Hani District Municipality who participate in the War on Leaks programme and are undergoing training. After completing training they will receive accreditation and or certificates. After the War on Leaks training, the learners will be placed in municipalities and other government institutions where their skills are needed to address water leaks. The department has also issued bursaries to encourage learners to pursue careers in water to increase the pool of engineers and scientists as the country is faced with a shortage thereof.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau (Departmental Spokesperson)
Cell: 082 874 2942
Tel: 012 336 6813
E-mail: rataus@dwa.gov.za
Thandile Ngcume (Communication Service)
Cell: 082 659 1422
Tel: 043 604 5418
E-mail: NgcumeT@dws.gov.za
