04 Feb 2013

The Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources has commissioned a study on the Water Master Plan for the Kgalagadi Southern region owing to severe water shortage in the area.

Local Government and Rural Development assistant minister, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso told Ntlo ya Dikgosi last week that the master plan together with its recommendation would be completed by the end of this month. She added that construction of the cross pipeline connection would commence in February  and was expected to take nine months.

As part of a bilateral cross border agreement, she said the ministry was currently in negotiation with the South African government to make connection for 5 million cubic metres per annum to supply Middlepits and adjacent villages.

"As part of emergency strategies, the Department of Water Affairs is currently drilling some boreholes in the Bokspits area," she said.

The assistant minister was responding to a question from Kgosi David Toto II of Kgalagadi South region, on behalf of Minister Kitso Mokaila. Kgosi Toto II wanted the Minerals, Energy and Water Resources minister to explain action taken regarding water shortage in the Kgalagadi South region. ENDS