R143 million pledge towards drought relief in Sekhukhune

MOUTSE – As a form of intervention with regard to challenges of water shortages that continue to mar areas of Sekhukhune district, Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu pledged R143 million towards drought relief when she visited Moutse outside Groblersdal on Friday, 14 February 2020.

Minister Sisulu was joined by Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha, Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) Executive Mayor, Stanley Ramaila and Lepelle Northern Water board during her visit to the water shortage troubled area.

According to the department the funds will to be administered by Lepelle Northern Water as an implementing agent in addressing the long standing challenges of water within SDM.

Sputnik Ratau, Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Director Media Liaison, said the funds would also be used to drill new boreholes and refurbish the existing ones in the area.

“Five water tankers and 20 tanks were donated and will be administered by Sekhukhune District Municipality,” said Ratau.

Sisulu assured Moutse community that there would be additional water tanks to ensure that all residents had water, prioritizing the elderly, schools, the police station and Philadelphia Hospital.

She emphasized that would be interim measures while the municipality worked with Lepelle Northern Water board, the province, and DWS Limpopo office to initiate projects of sustainable water reticulation in the area.

Minister Sisulu and Premier Mathabatha interacted with residents of Moutse and stakeholders, assuring them that the process to address water challenges in the area had started.

“I first have to apologize to the community on behalf of government for the challenges that you have had for a long time. I would like to assure you that we have heard your cries and our presence here shows that we care so much about you. I have tasked the municipality and Lepelle Northern Water to work together to ensure that the community of Sekhukhune has access to water,” said Sisulu.

She concluded that the intervention needed to be seen in the context of an emergency situation that was in the area.

“The DWS intervened, but does not take away the responsibility of local government to ensure optimally operational reticulation infrastructure to service communities where they live and work,” said Sisulu.