Zuma’s address welcomed

BUSHBUCKRIDGE – Contrary to threats made by disgruntled communities within the municipality that they would boycott president Mr Jacob Zuma’s visit to the area, he received a pleasant welcome from all. His visit was part of the Siyahlola Presidential Monitoring Programme, and he was accompanied by over 14 ministers and government officials.

His first stop was at Inyaka Dam, where he was taken on a tour and progress assessment. The minister of water and environmental affairs, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, was there to explain how the interventions made by the government through Rand Water had been unfolding thus far.

“An additional 27 villages will now also be assisted through this dam. We made a commitment last year to focus on the entire Bushbuckridge and prioritise water and sanitation,” Mokoyane said.

“We also want to urge the communities to stop vandalising the property that’s supposed to help with development.” Three households in Blakface were visited by the president and his entourage where one family received taps with running water, another was given a water-saving tank, and the last one was given toilet blocks to help save water when they flushed.

They then proceeded to Thulamahashe Stadium where the president was awaited by hundreds of community members who gave him a warm welcome. Community members got to vent their frustrations with hopes that they will be addressed.

“I came here to check for myself if the promises we made are being fulfilled, and if the responsible departments are doing what they are entrusted with. I have returned today to investigate progress and find out what else we need to do in order to improve the living conditions of people in this area,” said Zuma. He cautioned people to be water savvy, considering the fact that we are faced with drought.

“Bushbuckridge and the whole country at large is plagued with the shortage of rain, which leads to drought. I have noted that as the community, you are worried that the water supply and connection to households are not sufficient. This is a water-scarce area, at least 70 per cent of this community is without bulk water supply, almost 60 per cent is without tap water, and at least 75 per cent is without yard water connections. We must also note that while the situation remains critical, there are also improvements by government through the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water, and the government.” Among other issues, the community also requested that the government should teach officials sign language, so they would be able to help people with disabilities when they visit their offices for services. This was also noted by the fact that November was dubbed Disability Awareness Month.

Issues around roads and transport were also tackled vigorously as one of the main problems in the area. “This issue has been raised to me by a number of people in the places I visited before coming here. We have noted your frustration about the congestion on the R40, and that secondary roads are poorly maintained, which increases the risk of accidents on it. I have also received news that these roads are full of potholes; I have personally witnessed that as well. I have also heard that you now refer to the R40 as ‘Bermuda’, because it has since been incomplete. All of these issues will be dealt with.”

The community was assured that all these issues will be dealt with by the relevant departments to improve service delivery.