27 Mar 2022

Completion of the water supply pipe project inter-connecting Lotlhakane East to Ramonnedi-Kanye will address water shortages in the area, says Kanye South MP, Dr Lemogang Kwape.

During his visit to the construction site at Ramonnedi on Friday, Dr Kwape urged Water Utilities Cooperation (WUC) to be time conscious, noting that for a very long time, Lotlhakane East had been faced with water challenges. 

“My visit here today is to witness what is being done and at what stage the project is as the intention is to curb the situation in Lotlhakane East,” he said. 

He expressed worry over water wastage due to the vandalism of pipes which he said worsened water shortage in Lotlhakane East. 

“I, therefore, urge the public to desist from such, as all these developments are done to improve lives,” he said. 

Dr Kwape explained that a number of areas in Kanye also experienced water shortages and appealed to WUC to find ways of assisting the affected areas. 

Lead Engineer at Kanye WUC, Mr Patrick Lekote said the current project was meant to address water shortage in Lotlhakane before connecting from Kanye adding that plans were on for the long term project.

He said the 2.5-kilometre water project experienced delays due to rocks along the line, which had to be fragmented. The initial project completion date was end of March but has been extended to April. 

Mr Lekote indicated that the village needed 1.2 megalitres of water per day but was currently receiving only 0.4 megalitres, adding that the new connection would pump in 0.6 megalitres. 

“Two more boreholes would be drilled and connected to provide the shortage of 0.2 megalitres,” he said. The lead engineer said the project was done in house by WUC staff, noting that they only outsourced machines that they did not have. 

Mr Lekote assured Dr Kwape that the pipe would be effectively and efficiently done and concluded on time. 

Area Councillor, Mr Shimane Thelo said there was hope that soon the residents would receive enough water. 

Councillor Thelo appreciated efforts by WUC to do the project in house rather than waiting for funds to engage contractors. ends