The Department of Water and Sanitation will keep a close eye on the ongoing water and sanitation projects aimed at delivering water to the people of Polokwane and surrounding areas, says Minister Senzo Mchunu.
“Rest assured, we are not going to allow anyone to make commitments and not fulfil them. Our people are in dire need of water. We want constant updates on the ongoing projects,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu met with Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor, John Mpe and the Lepelle Northern Water Board in Mookgophong, outside Polokwane, on Thursday. This followed a recent protest where Seshego residents demanded consistent water supply. Residents also pleaded with the municipality to write off their water bills since their taps are regularly dry.
During the engagement, Mpe expressed his gratitude to Mchunu for his prompt intervention in attempting to resolve water supply challenges in Limpopo, particularly in Polokwane.
The department’s Deputy Director-General of Water Services Management, Risimati Mathye, gave a brief background on ministerial interventions for water and sanitation services in Polokwane.
“Some of the projects that need urgent intervention [include the] optimising of Polokwane and Seshego water reticulation distribution zones, 20 mega litres per day regional wastewater treatment plant, which is currently underway through Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) funding, refurbishing of Dap Naude Water and Sanitation Infrastructure, and refurbishing and upgrading of existing Polokwane, Seshego and Mankweng Wastewater Treatment Works,” Mathye said.
After long discussions, the parties submitted the recommendations aimed at ending water woes in Polokwane.
The parties recommended that R120 million be made available to address short-term interventions for five groundwater projects that are under construction.
They also recommended that a further allocation of RBIG funding of R200 million in January 2023 could be made available upon appointment of service providers for Polokwane Wastewater Treatment Works.
The Minister also made an undertaking that he will write a follow-up letter to Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform Minister, with a view of accelerating the resolution of the letter of concern for use of the servitude for Seshego Wastewater Treatment Works and associated infrastructure.