Speaking notes for Deputy Minister Of Water and Sanitation Hon. Pamela Tshwete on the occasion of handing over of water tankers to the Amathole District Municipality, Calgary Museum, East London
Programme Director, Councillor Ndikinda,
Amathole Executive Mayor, Councillor Nxawe,
Chairperson of the Amatola Water Board,
Municipal Manager of the Amathole District Municipality,
Municipal Managers,
Councillors,
Provincial Head,
Department Officials,
Ladies and gentlemen
Good morning
I wish to start by thanking the Amatola Water Board for facilitating the handover of these beautiful and necessary Water Tankers to the Amathole District Municipality.
As we know, the country has been in the grip of a devastating drought, and as such, this region was not spared. As such, an urgent intervention was necessary in the region. This included the speeding up certain projects to ease water shortages and drought challenges.
It is for this reason that the Amathole District Municipality sent a detailed motivation in request for procurement of Water tanker trucks. The Department of Water and Sanitation through the terms of the Division of Revenue Act (DoRA), which states that the Department is the responsible manager of the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) programme, allocated funds to the Amathole District Municipality during the 2017/18 national financial year.
The Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) will enable the Municipality to implement various water supplies that will accelerate the provision of water supply to communities within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction.
These water tankers will belong to the District Municipality, and therefore it will be imperative for the District Municipality to ensure that they stay in prime condition for optimal use.
It is of utmost importance for all of us to remember that vandalism of infrastructure is undesirable. It is therefore mandatory upon all of us to ensure the continued protection of these water tanker trucks.
Just as we always emphasise that our dams and rivers are precious and should be protected, these trucks should also be treasured and protected in the same vein.
I appeal to the beneficiaries of these precious trucks to prolong the lifespan of these trucks through proper care and maintenance. We should all take responsibility and hold one another accountable for improper use of these vehicles.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Amathole District Municipality for hosting such a beautiful event and accepting these water tankers. Thank you to the Department of Water and Sanitation for stepping up the efforts to bring service delivery to the people when needed the most.
To the Amatola Water Board and the Eastern Cape Department of Water and Sanitation, let us all continue to work together in achieving more with little.
I thank you
