15 Jan 2018

Give Us Water Molepolole, a group that seeks to lobby government to address the long running challenge of lack of water in the village met on Saturday to map the way forward on how to engage government on the issue.

The gathering agreed to organise a peaceful match before the end of the month as well as address kgotla meetings across various wards in the village to solicit support from residents. Speaking at the gathering, the chairperson of the group, Mr Oupa

Koosaletse was quick to point out that their group was not political, but that its sole mandate was to ensure that the water shortage that had been bedeviling Bakwena for many years was resolved.

“We are not fighting the government of the day. What we are seeking to achieve is to work closely with government to find a solution. We are aware that the relevant authorities may have plans in place for the problem, but it is also upon us as residents to also help come with a resolution,” he said.

Mr Koosaletse said the group was formed recently after many residents of Molepolole constantly voiced their concerns on social media and then agreed on a temporary committee to organise a meeting where all Bakwena can be consulted.

“The sole purpose of this meeting was therefore to consult Bakwena and elect a committee that will steer the agreed resolutions,” he said.

Mr Koosaletse also indicated that despite the water shortage in the village, it is painful that Water Utilities Corporation continued to bill residents exorbitant amounts while they were thirsty.

Residents at the gathering were in agreement that the challenge of water shortage in their village has dragged on for too long, and that it was time residents took action.

They complained that the situation was even harder for poor residents who cannot afford to buy water from private water suppliers whom most residents depend on.

One of the residents, Mr Disang Leselamose from Lekgwapheng ward indicated that shortage of water delayed the development of the village as new plots cannot be developed.

Another resident, Ms Gaolathe Mosawa of Boswelakoko also indicated that some water tanks that were placed in various wards around the village have turned into white elephants as they were never filled with water to relieve the residents as it was the objective.

Ms Mosawa also encouraged residents to be humble and civil in their fight to avoid being seen to be fighting government.

She said it was their hope and expectation as residents that the group, although started modest would successful in trying to persuade government to address the water situation in the village. ENDS