31 Aug 2022

Residents of Monganakodu ward in Taung have been told to expect a geotechnical report on the cause of the years-old water seepage problem in the area soon.

 Addressing a kgotla meeting in Taung yesterday,  Ramotswa MP, Mr Lefoko Moagi said the report, together with intervention measures, had been expected yesterday.

He said the community would be called soon to be presented with the report which was hopefully going to provide a  lasting solution to the challenge, now proving costly.

Residents had complained about the water seepage which had already caused extensive damage to property as well as posing a health hazard.

In September 2013, Malete Land Board requested Department of Geological Survey to investigate the cause of the seepage and provide solutions.

Results of the investigation revealed ponding in the area as a result of surface run-off during the rainy season.

Lack of storm water drainage system to divert the run off was also identified as a contributory factor to ponding.

Mr Moagi said in the meantime, stop gap measures were underway to reduce water from the most affected areas.

He said over a million litres had been pumped from the site and pits excavated as a way of channelling the water to its natural pathway.

Residents heard that the village leadership was still going to map the way forward and explore other options to address the problem which had been a topical issue over the past few months.

Residents took turns to express their dismay at the challenge.

Mr Joseph Segwabe said the seepage was likely to impact on crop production and pleaded with those charged with seeking intervention measures to expand their research beyond Monganakodu.

Another resident, Mr Phenyoyaone Modiri, requested local authorities to excavate a pit to separate upstream Taung  from the downstream area which was suspected to have a high water table.

He lamented that  the  recommendation of developing storm water drainage in the area had to date not been taken up.

Mr Modiri said the problem was exacerbated by lack of  sewer reticulation. Ends