Johannesburg: Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has called for feasibility studies to be expedited to identify sustainable, long-term water sources for municipalities in Limpopo that rely heavily on groundwater. Majodina made the call following a two-day programme, where she handed over completed water infrastructure projects in Mogalakwena and Blouberg Local Municipalities, which are aimed at improving access to reliable and safe drinking water in previously underserved communities.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister emphasized that groundwater is not a sustainable solution for these municipalities and urged the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to explore alternative ways to supply water to areas lacking surface water. Majodina assured that the department would continue monitoring the progress on these plans and feasibility studies to establish long-term solutions for water extraction and conveyance.
During the two-day event on September 5th and 6th, Majodina handed over water projects, advancing the government's commitment to providing reliable access to safe drinking water and improving supply in previously unserved areas. She presented two completed Water Supply Scheme projects in Blouberg Local Municipality, implemented by Capricorn District Municipality as the Water Services Authority.
Majodina was accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, Corporate Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs MEC Pule Shayi, and they handed over the projects to Blouberg Local Municipality Mayor, Maria Thamaga. The Maokeng and Dilaeneng Water Supply Schemes aim to improve water supply to the Maokeng and Dilaeneng townships in Senwabarwana. These projects, valued at R23 million and funded through the DWS Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), will benefit over 800 households.
Capricorn District Municipality Mayor, Mamodupi Teffo, noted that the projects primarily rely on groundwater due to the lack of surface water sources in the area. However, plans are being developed with the department to draw water from dams in other areas to supply Blouberg, Molemole, and Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipalities.
Additionally, Majodina handed over the completed Jakkalskuil Water Treatment Works to Mogalakwena Local Municipality Mayor, Ngoako Taueatsoala. The project, funded through the DWS Regional and Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), includes several major project components such as the Kroomkloof Water Treatment Works, high-lift pump stations, and the refurbishment of 26 community reservoirs, improving water supply to over 42,000 households in Mokopane.
Taueatsoala highlighted the significance of the project in addressing longstanding water challenges in the Bakenberg Cluster, marking a pivotal step forward for the community. Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba echoed the sentiment, expressing that the infrastructure projects embody the hopes and aspirations of thousands of Limpopo residents, reaffirming the constitutional right to access clean, safe, and reliable water.
