11 Jul 2022

 Following long-standing complaints by Monganakodu Ward residents in Taung about water seepage in their area, Ramotswa leadership visited the village Thursday to consult on what could be done.

South East District Council (SEDC) Secretary, Mr Charles Amos regretted delays in attending to the problem saying they were due to long-drawn studies and consultations.  

He assured them that the village leadership would incorporate into its recommendations suggestions made by the residents.  

He said structural engineers and health services professionals would be visiting the affected areas to assess the extent of damage and identify any health hazards.

For her part, District Commissioner, Ms Sebokwane Dikgope admitted the problem  was an emergency that called for concerted effort.

 She said government was aware of the loss residents suffered as a result of the seepage , and was working around the clock to find a solution.

That included appointing a task team to assess the situation. She said the task team report showed 33 houses were affected.

Ms Dikgope said recommendations and guidance on intervention measures would be provided soon and asked residents to bear with authorities.  

She advised those who were allocated land in Monganakodu to halt developments pending guidance.

Malete Land Board chairperson, Ms Onneetse Malope said following an earlier visit to the area they resolved to engage experts to establish the cause of the seepage and recommend ameliorative measures. 

Residents had earlier on complained that government was taking too long to address   the seepage problem.

In fact they had given up hope of ever being assisted, said Mr Thomas Moruseng.

Ms Bonnye Tshielo said her house was sinking because of water logging. She said the advice for people to halt development came too late as she settled in the area in 2004.

Another resident Ms Rejoice Ramodisa said their homes were no longer habitable as the seepage was clearly effluent.  BOPA