Africa
Minister Senzo Mchunu commits to bringing water to the people of South Africa
Minister of Water and Sanitation
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, reiterated the commitment of the Ministry and the department with the provision of water to the communities.
This authorized announcement was made during the launch of the Olifant Management Model Program (OMM), today October 27, 2022 at the Ga-Malekana Tribal Authority outside of Burgersfort in Limpopo.
The program is intended to accelerate drinking water and raw bulk water infrastructure in order to ensure that nearby communities and surrounding mining, agricultural and other businesses in Sekhukhune district, Polokwane and Mogalakwena local municipalities receive adequate water by 2030.
In his opening speech at the launch, Minister Mchunu indicated that this project is a great milestone in our democracy and should not be taken lightly.
“This is a very good example of collective efforts, it is a three-dimensional partnership between the government, the private sector and, most importantly, the people of this area.
This is a great investment for current and future generations, and it must be sustained,” said Minister Mchunu.
The program, which is a collaboration between the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Lebalelo Water Users Association (LWUA), epitomizes the effectiveness of public-private partnership where the will exists and will undoubtedly contribute to big measure.
when it comes to addressing challenges in the water and sanitation sector.
Both DWS and LWUA believe that reliable access to good, safe water is essential to life, nature, and economic growth, so it is important to embark on water access projects that help bring safe, clean drinking water to people.
communities that need it.
The scope of the project, among others, includes enabling water supply to Mogalakwena by relocating a portion of the Lebalelo scheme’s current supply from Flag Boshielo Dam to De Hoop Dam and developing networks and related infrastructure to benefit a total of 134 villages.
The estimated cost of the program is R24 billion and it will be funded on a 50:50 basis between government and commercial users through the Lebalelo Water Users Association.
These include African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American Platinum, Assore, Corridor Resources, Cheetah Chrome, Glencore-Merafe, Implats, Ivanplats, Northam, Tameng and other industrial users.
In addition, this program will address the pressing water needs of approximately 380,000 people in the defined areas in the Limpopo province and may create 42,000 jobs.
The operative word during the launch of the project by DWS and Lebalelo was partnership, and both parties agree that this, among others, will unlock strategic mineral and industrial potential in the region and, more importantly, provide a variety of benefits, such as much-needed water security.
, job creation and socioeconomic development.
