Ramaphosa inspects Nandoni Water Project

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, was in Giyani on Sunday together with President Cyril Ramaphosa to present a progress report on the Nandoni pipeline project. Speaking to residents at Giyani Stadium, the minister said the final connections of the pipeline to the Xikukwani water canal which leads to Nsami Dam, has been completed. The connections between water pumps and the clearing of the canal to allow for easy flow of water, are still to be completed

“The two-metre gap that was left before the connection into the wall of the canal has now been closed, the only thing that is left pending is the connection of valves before we revive the canal and pump water into the pipeline,” he said to the applause of residents who are eagerly waiting to see the project completed. Mchunu also touched on many other challenges, saying those who stole the funds meant for the project will be prosecuted. “The ICU is currently pursuing seven cases and has recently applied to add two more cases to make it nine,” he said.

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Ramaphosa asked to hear from ordinary residents before his address, giving an opportunity to many to raise their frustration. While some complained of corruption and the delay of the project, others complained about water being blocked and used for irrigation by farmers. “We need a balancing act so that we would not have a situation where people lose jobs,” he continued. On the water reticulation plan that is said to reach households in villages around Giyani by March next year, the president indicated that it was important that people be aware that the service will not be free.

“While every household should have water by March next year, you must also be prepared to pay for the service,” Ramaphosa said. The president also touched on corruption, saying the country does not lack funds for completing projects but was hindered by corruption. “In the past, we have implemented policies to solve it and to increase the capacity of the state in terms of capability to implement projects. And I must say we are beginning to gain traction, especially in the water sector, and this demonstrates that we do have the capability to solve problems.

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“This is why Minister Mchunu said funds were not an issue when it comes to the capability of the state to complete projects, but corruption was,” he added. He said the government was serious about its fight against corruption, and that those that stole the R3 billion meant for the Nandoni project, would pay it back one way or another.