POLOKWANE – The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu sternly urged the political leadership and officials involved in the supply of water to the city to apply a sense of urgency in resolving disputes that impede effective implementation of water projects to the detriment of communities in need of basic water services.
Mchunu and his deputy, David Mahlobo last Thursday met with Polokwane Mayor John Mpe and Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) chairperson of the board, Dr Nndweleni Mphephu and CEO Dr Cornelius Ruiters at a venue outside Pretoria to deliberate on the challenges affecting water supply to the city.
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According to a media release issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation, the aim of the meeting was also to receive a progress report on the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer Upgrade Projects that are meant to address water challenges in the Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts, Polokwane Municipality and surrounding areas.
The projects entail the refurbishment and upgrading of aging water infrastructure to meet the current water demands of the increasing population.
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Phase 1A of the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer Upgrade Project includes the refurbishment of the water scheme to function at full capacity of 114 megalitres per day by October 2024 and to be increased to 144 megalitres per day by 2026, depending on the funding.
Meanwhile, phase 1B is aimed at increasing the capacity to 180 megalitres per day by 2027.
Phase 2 of the project is earmarked to increase production to 270 megalitres per day by 2029.
Mchunu advised the municipality and LNW to revise their plans to implement the projects and to come up with workable solutions that will address the current challenges.
Deputy Director-General responsible for Water and Sanitation Services, Risimati Mathye presented a 12-point plan that is set to unlock challenges facing all stakeholders directly involved in the project. These include amongst others, concrete partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, improved contract management, improved capacity, improved decision making and good governance.
The minister implored all those involved in the project to take their work seriously with dedicated project managers to oversee the work done on the ground. He asked for regular updates with clear timelines on when certain aspects of the project will be completed.
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Mpe applauded the minister for his intervention on long-standing issues, adding that it is about time the tide is turned as there is increased demand for water in the city of Polokwane, and speedy resolutions are therefore needed.
