Major challenges face rural water provision
Pongolapoort bulk water supply scheme launched.
THE official launch of the Pongolapoort bulk water supply scheme on Friday had not even been completed by KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu and the Minister of Water Affairs and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, when reports of residents illegally tapping into the system was received.
This is only one of many challenges facing the department as it tries to fulfil its mandate of providing water and sanitation to the rural population.
KZN has provided water and sanitation to over 88% of the people living in the rural areas of the province, but this is being hampered by illegal connections, putting pressure on the systems being provided.
It is estimated that around 200 000 people will beneifit from the Pongolapoort scheme, but history has shown that, as the water starts flowing, the population increases as more and more new residents move into the area.
The original population estimates are exceeded and illegal connections are made by the newcomers.
Besides using more water, the illegal connections often leak causing large amounts of water being wasted.
Another factor affecting water provision is sabotage and corruption at the expense of the rural residents.
Pipelines and pumps, as in the case at Nongoma, are damaged or stolen, forcing water tankers back into the area.
It is rumoured that some unscrupious tanker operators are responsible, who then sell the water illegally to the desperate residents affected by the water situation.
The Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation said it is investigating these allegations and claims that some councillors receive kickbacks from the operators.
