Speaking during the handover of the R29 million Phase 2B project of the Thapane Water Scheme to the contractor for implementation at Relela last week, Rakgoale said community leaders must find ways to lobby and engage with the contractor around the issue of local beneficiation without stalling the implementation of the project.
“The policy says 30% sub-contracting is compulsory for projects above R30 million. This project is below R30 million, but it does not stop you from engaging the contractor around the issue of assisting the small businesses in the area. While we find ways to lobby around the issue of local beneficiation, our utmost interest should be to see the project completed so our people can have access to consistent supply of potable water,” she said.
The project includes the rehabilitation of the Khemarela catchment area retaining wall which is leaking, rehabilitate the pumps, increasing the height of the retaining wall and refurbished booster pump stations at Motupa, Kgwekgwe, Botludi and Morutji. The contractor will also build bulk supply pipelines from Marirone to Motupa, Mohlakong to Morutsi, Khemarela reservoir to Morutji-Botludi, Motupa to Mopye reservoir, Kgwekgwe to Moleketla reservoir and Morutji to Botludi reservoir.
Rakgoale said that stakeholders must work together to ensure that all wards have representatives in the project steering committee.
“Establish an inclusive project steering committee. The process of hiring workers should also be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. These temporary jobs do make a difference in the lives of our people,” she said.
She cautioned those fuelling allegations that ward councillors have received an amount of R4 million from the contractor during the implementation of Phase 1 of the Thapane project. “Stop rumour mongering because your allegations are putting the lives of innocent people in danger. These people that you are spreading gossip about have families, and people may start to target their homes because of your gossips,” said Rakgoale.
Rakgoale then went on to handover two projects in the Greater Letaba Municipality. The projects are Phase 2B of Sefofotse Water Scheme at R20 million and the Sefofotse to Ditshosine bulk line at just over R16 million.
The Mayor of Greater Letaba Municipality, Councillor Peter Matlou has welcomed the projects saying the council will play its oversight role. “We are happy that the district municipality has brought these projects to us and we will do everything in our power to see the project moving. Our interest is to see our people drinking clean water,” he said.
