16 Jun 2019

The Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services (MLMWS) needs P60 million to refurbish a water treatment plant in Sehithwa, says Assitant Minister Mr Itumeleng Moipisi.

  He said they were looking for funding, and that part of the money would be used to expand the small water treatment tank at Sehithwa.

Mr Moipisi told residents during a kgotla meeting recently that the ministry was aware of the water situation in the area and that efforts were on to rectify the situation.

He said Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) was working round the clock to replace old water pipes as a short-term measure while the ministry was making efforts to secure funds to refurbish the small water treatment plant as a long-term solution.

He noted that the water situation was worsened by leaky old pipes and the small water tank at Sehithwa which could not cater for the whole village.

Mr Moipisi also said 38 per cent of the water was wasted hence the severe shortage.

He said WUC was expected to complete the replacement of pipes next month.

“We are aware of the water situation in your area, the district and the country at large, and we are doing all in our power to rectify the situation,” he said.

The water treatment plant, which is situated near Bodibeng, supplies residents with potable water, but is unable to treat enough water to cater for Sehithwa and surrounding villages.

Mr Moipisi noted that the plant treated 640 cubic metres of water a day while the area needed 840 cubic metres.

Mr Moipisi also noted that residents were supplied with water from six boreholes in the area, but that it was found that the water was salty and not good for human consumption hence the water was treated.

Vandalism of water pipes to water livestock by some residents was also identified as a contributing factor water shortage.

The assistant minister urged residents to stop the practice as they were denying the community the right to drink potable water.

He appreciated that livestock needed water and urged residents to join hands with government to save the little water the country could offer.

Mr Moipisi said boreholes were dry because the country experienced less rainfall and advised residents to use water wisely.

He also told residents that government was looking for ways to recycle water, as it could be used in other sectors of the economy such as agriculture.

“We must continue to save water, we have no choice‚ the situation is serious and is affecting both households and our farming communities who are supposed to ensure food security in our country,” he added.

Commenting on the assistant minister’s remarks, most residents appreciated efforts made by the ministry to address the water shortage.

Kgosi Boitiro Dithapo agreed that most of the water pipes were old and dilapidated, and that WUC’s efforts to assist residents were in vain as boreholes were also dry.

He also complained about the leaking water tank in Sehithwa, urging the corporation to address the issue as a lot of water was wasted.

Another resident, Mr Gaetseme Bikitshane said residents vandalised pipes for drinking water and not to water their livestock.

He said residents owned boreholes but could not drink from them because the water was salty.

He requested for tanks in strategic places for residents to fetch water. ENDs