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Over R1,5 billion was spent to alleviate water shortage and give more rural communities in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District access to clean running water during the past three financial years. This milestone was noted at the North West Executive Council Extended Lekgotla that was chaired by North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise in Mahikeng on Wednesday.

Over four hundred and ten thousand households benefitted during implementation of 35 projects that were implemented in the district. Water shortage was alleviated in Khibitsane, Pudumoe, Bray and Mokassa villages while bulk water was provided in Vryburg, Pudumoe, Greater Naledi and Mamusa Districts. Rural water supply was extended to needy communities, raw water abstraction pipelines at Wentzel Dam were upgraded and emergency repairs to water works done.

Sewer treatment plants were also upgraded in Vryburg, Bloemhof, Schweitzer-Reneke, Christiana and free basic water and management of water supply provision implemented in Naledi, Mausa and Lekwa Teemane Local Municipalities and provision of oxidation ponds in Amalia, Ganyesa,Bray and Tosca.

Theft and vandalism of water and sanitation infrastructure were identified as challenges that disrupt supply of water.

Premier Modise used the planning session to appeal to municipalities to use Municipal Infrastructure Grants allocated to them for the purpose for which they have been allocated and not to divert such funds towards payment of salaries and or unsustainable projects.

“We should spend more towards rendering services to our communities than on wages,” she emphasised.