13 Oct 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has commissioned the connection of Tswapong south villages to the Mahalapye phase two water scheme.

The P291 million project, which began in November 2020, has been completed on time, meeting all quality standards and within budget.

President Masisi expressed gratitude to the residents of Tswapong South for their patience and trust in the government to effectively resolve the water crisis in their region.

During the commissioning ceremony in Moshopha on Friday, the President said the project, along with numerous other water initiatives across the country, underscored the government’s commitment to providing access to potable water for rural communities.

“The connection to Mahalapye water scheme paves the way for us to focus on improving water distribution networks, ensuring that clean water reaches all corners of our nation,” said President Masisi.

He pointed out that such projects not only enhanced the quality of life but also contributed to the economic advancement of the area by creating new business and employment opportunities.

Addressing the importance of water conservation, the President urged the community to avoid wastage, stressing that the available potable water was designated solely for domestic and industrial use.

He also encouraged residents to utilise government programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and boosting livelihoods.

Among the programmes,  Dr Masisi highlighted the Chema Chema initiative, which serves as a launchpad for entrepreneurial endeavours.

He  further urged residents to explore additional opportunities through programmes such as Temo Letlotlo and Thuo Letlotlo, as well as other initiatives offered by the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency to enhance their businesses.

For his part, Minister of Lands and Water Affairs, Dr Kefentse Mzwinila said the project was made possible by government declaring a state of emergency during COVID-19 which gave an opportunity for government to prioritise water projects.

He said government managed to secure funds for various water projects and realised that borehole water was not reliable and of low quality hence the need to cease borehole water supply.

He said Tswapong south residents would start enjoying good quality water from Letsibogo and Dikgatlhong dams.

Furthermore, Dr Mzwinila explained that although Mahalapye Phase TwoWater Scheme was complete, the first phase of the project was not yet complete with the completion date scheduled for December.

In addition to connecting Tswapong south villages, he said his ministry would construct a pipeline from Moshopha to Tumasera/Seleka to increase water supply to those villages as well as to look into the water distribution network.

The chief executive officer of Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), Mr Gaselemogwe Senai commended all those who contributed to the success of the project. He said it would relieve WUC from supplying Tswapong villages through bowsing which was costly. Ends