LIMPOPO – The Greater Giyani Municipality (GGM) is among the municipalities in the Mopani District actively lobbying to be granted water authority status.

This was evident during the presentation of the draft IDP budget held on Wednesday at Giyani Community Hall.

Many people have raised concerns related to ongoing water challenges and accused the Mopani District Municipality (MDM) of being unresponsive when they need assistance.

“Their phones are either off or go unanswered when you call them, and if they do pick up, they whisper that they’re in a meeting,” said one of the residents, Given Mabunda.

He asked whether there was a way the local municipality could assist them, given the lack of support from MDM. In response, Cllr Gezani Maluleke, the head of water and sanitation in Giyani, who was speaking on behalf of the mayor at the event, acknowledged the residents’ frustration but assured them that the municipality was actively working to address the issue.

“Regarding the challenges with water reticulation and boreholes, it is indeed true that we are facing difficulties because this municipality does not have a water authority status,” he explained.

He added that the municipality was lucky to have him and Cllr Cedrick Baloyi, since they are both lawyers by profession and were advising the municipality on legal matters.

“We’ve been using that knowledge to guide the municipality on how to position itself legally in the matter,” he said.

Maluleke acknowledged the community’s frustration and insisted that this can only be resolved if the GGM is given water authority status.

“I’ve heard and seen how emotional and frustrated some of you were when speaking about the water crisis in your areas. We truly believe that if we were granted water authority status, many of these challenges would not be occurring,” he explained, saying local municipalities were the ones accountable for bringing service delivery to their communities. “It’s unfair that, when problems arise, we have to refer you to MDM.”

He said, however, that the municipality is working towards obtaining water authority status. He indicated that two resolutions have already been passed, one during the Ward Committee Conference and another at the Water Forum meeting, calling for the municipality to be granted this status.

“These resolutions have been forwarded to all the relevant stakeholders, with a clear message that the municipality strongly opposes MDM retaining this responsibility,” he said.

He emphasised that the local municipality firmly believes it can deliver water services more effectively at the local level.

Maluleke indicated that, in the meantime, the municipality would continue to work with the MDM to help fast-track solutions to the water challenges in Giyani.

“While we wait for that process to be completed, we will continue to work hand-in-hand with MDM to ensure that you receive the services you deserve. Your borehole generator will be repaired,” he said.