17 Feb 2015

The Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, says Takatokwane constituency is faced with water shortages mainly due to vandalism of Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) infrastructure particularly stand pipes and water tank valves. 

Responding to a question on behalf of the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Mr Molefhi, said the residents did this to avoid paying for water or wanted to use free potable water for their cattle.  He said out of the 100 standpipes in Takatokwane constituency, 40 had been vandalised. 

The minister said water shortages also emanated from a leaking Takatokwane water tank which has been subjected to vandalism by some residents who consistently open the washout to water their cattle and this has rendered the valves ineffective over time. 

However, the valves were replaced on February 10 this year. Minister Molefhi said the WUC was committed to providing water to residents adding however, the residents should take responsibility to look after the infrastructure so as to continue to enjoy uninterrupted water supply service. 

He said kgotla meetings would be addressed soon to facilitate public engagement with communities and the area MP would be part of the wider consultation arrangement.  Mr Molefhi said consultations are done prior to decommissioning of conventional standpipes.  He said some villages were reluctant to register for coupons making it difficult to commission many prepaid standpipes. 

The minister said WUC continues to engage residents on key issues relating to water and a meeting was scheduled in Kaudwane on February 16 to commission pre-paid stand pipes.  Takatokwane MP, Mr Ngaka Ngaka had asked why WUC never addresses kgotla meetings in his constituency to explain the poor service they offer to the residents.  The MP also asked the minister whether this was part of the agreement when water service was handed to them and also asked the minister to state major steps he would take to address water shortage in the area.  ENDS