Minister Sisulu calls on Limpopo Regional Water Utility to urgently attend to the water needs of the people of Limpopo
The Minister for Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Ms. Lindiwe Sisulu, has directed the Lepelle Northern Water Board (LNW), the Department of Water and Sanitation Limpopo Water Utility, to urgently provide water to over 100 villages that are currently without water in the Province. Minister issued this directive during a meeting between her and the board.
“Our people’s needs are primary. We made a promise to them ten years ago that their lives will be better and we have no excuse but to live up to the promises we made. The people of Limpopo can no longer be denied this basic human right”, said Minister Sisulu.
The Board committed itself to respond positively to the Minister’s directive by ensuring that they do everything possible to provide basic services to the people of Limpopo.
Minister had a meeting with the Board to get a briefing about successes and challenges faced by the entity in the execution of its responsibility. Since July Minister has been meeting Water Boards to understand their challenges with an intention of finding lasting solutions.
Some of the challenges raised by the Board include amongst others, non-payment for services rendered, ageing infrastructure, deteriorating raw water quality, as well as a lack of water quantification and conservation management by municipalities.
During the meeting Minister also raised concerns that water boards were only responsible for bulk water as she strongly believes that the department and its entities should also be responsible for reticulation. The current arrangement is that the department and the boards provide bulk water, while municipalities are responsible for ensuring that there is water in the taps.
Minister made an undertaking to visit Limpopo before the end of the year to meet with traditional leaders, community members and Provincial Government.
Minister also had a meeting with Overberg Water Board which is responsible to provide bulk water services to the Western Cape Municipalities.
Issued by Makhosini Mgitywa, head of Communication and spokesperson: Ministry of Human Settlements, Water & Sanitation. For queries call Mr. Sputnik Ratau on 082 874 2942 or RatauS@dws.gov.za OR Mr. Tuso Zibula on 072 127 1565 or Tuso.zibula@dhs.gov.za