The broad vision of the National Development Plan is to ensure that by 2030, all South Africans have affordable access to safe and sufficient water and decent sanitation to live healthy and dignified lives.
3 008 202 people have been affected by drought in the North West Province. This includes 809 154 households and 1 118 settlements. Some of the municipalities affected by maladministration have improved since Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane gave a directive to Magalies Water and Sedibeng Water to turn the water situation around, as well as implement critical drought measures and long term solutions for water emergencies.
During her budget speech, Minister Mokonyane noted the speedy recovery of water supply to the communities of Majakaneng who were experiencing serious water challenges which eventually led to protests.
She also noted the immediate revitalization and repair of water services in Ramotshere Moiloa, Tswaing, Mahikeng and Ditsobotla; the optimization of water treatment and waste water treatment works in Brits Water Treatment Works and the pump stations, as well as the facilitation and implementation of capital projects to expand the capacity and improve water quality in Brits and Mahikeng.
Ground water supply projects in Moretele, Moses Kotane, Kgetleng Rivier, Naledi LM and Ngaka Modiri Molema DM have also increased water supply and more people have access to water. Kopela, which shares its water source with more than 3000 households in Direetsane and Ntuwane, had recently installed one-hundred taps on standpipes.
More emergency drought interventions to augment water supply through 80 000 litres water tanks, 20 000 litres Jojo tanks and 20 water tankers have benefitted Kgetleng Rivier which is located in Bojanala Platinum District. Areas such as Swarttruggens, Koster, Oskraal, Borolelo and Magong are also benefitting.
The Department of Water and Sanitation appeals to the public to use water sparingly and to report any water challenges or theft of water infrastructure to the municipality or call the departmental toll free no: 0800 200 200.
Enquiries:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
