Millions gone, but SDM resevoir projects remains incomplete

TSHEHLWANENG

The Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) ‘s failure to successfully complete the multi-million-rand reservoir projects in Tshehlwaneng and surrounding communities is affecting communities badly.

At least three villages in the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality are left without running water for nearly four years. Villagers buy water from neighbours with boreholes and push wheelbarrows with their containers.

The SDM has allegedly left three reservoirs project at Ga Mogashoa, Mashegoane and Dithakaneng .

The projects initiated between the 2020/21 financial year allegedly cost tax payers R108 million in total, each project cost a whopping R36 million.

 With R108 million gone, there is nothing to show for the residents, except unfilled trenches and abandoned pipelines.

“When its raining, water flows to community’s yards, this is caused by the trenches dug by the contractor. Water pipes had been left unattended since 2021, while other materials had been stolen.
“The communities, including the local tribal authorities have all complained about these unfinished projects but no one seems to care,” said a concerned resident.

Residents added, “Paying R3 for just one container of water is too much. We are pleading with the government to help us with water,” said 75-year-old resident.

 Residents said water tankers are only sent occasionally and they are forced to rely on rain water or buying water.

Content creator, Magohu Phaahla The Activist (Razzmelodist), said the failure to complete water infrastructure projects in the SDM is a cause for concern. “Sekhukhune is one of the municipalities that lacks water infrastructure, it is therefore very disappointing that despite money allocated for water infrastructure development, management has done little to nothing to ensure that water infrastructure projects are completed.”

Three decades into a democratic government yet our communities are still without water. It is the responsibility of the municipality to ensure that people have access to basic clean water.”

Sekhukhune Times forwarded queries to the spokesperson of the SDM Lemson Morapyane, his response was, ” Noted, We will get back to you.” This publication will do a follow up when the municipality decides to respond.