Minister Mchunu says Limpopo water challenges need renewed vigour

Mchunu visited the province last week. He met with different stakeholders to assess water and sanitation challenges.
He was joined by his deputies, David Mahlobo and Dikeledi Magadzi, and the provincial government, led by Premier Stanley Mathabatha, to devise means to improve the provision of water and sanitation services in the province.
Outlining the rationale for his visit to the province, Mchunu said access to water is not a privilege, but a basic right that everyone must enjoy, and it is the government’s constitutional mandate to fulfil this right.
Decrying delays in the completion of infrastructure projects, he said the government at all levels is committing a cardinal sin by having projects that take longer to finish, trampling on people’s rights in the process.
“We need to plan better; we need to do better than we have been doing in the past and work for the people by fast-tracking projects within the allocated budget. It’s not fair that projects take longer than they are supposed to, notwithstanding some of the challenges that come along the way, but some of them are our own creation,” he emphasised.

Also read: Human Rights Commission to look at local municipality

Mchunu indicated that the plight of the communities without water, especially the communities residing next to the dams, is deplorable and it should not have happened to start with. Expressing his disapproval of this, he said things should be done differently to realise the National Development Plan ideals and the Sustainable Development Goals, to provide water and sanitation services to all.
Interacting with Mathabatha, Mchunu recommitted the department under his leadership to work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people; but he said the national government cannot do this alone, provincial and local government needs to come on board.

“We need you to take us to account if we are failing in our mandate and we will certainly take you to task from our end if we feel that you are failing on your part. This is not about us, but it is about the people getting services that they so deserve. We need to treat our communities with the dignity that they deserve,” he added.
Mathabatha applauded the minister and his team for the engagement and said this is a welcome intervention that they needed because they are faced with many challenges that need concerted efforts to resolve.

“We have had previous ministers who visited the province over the years, and we have agreed that much work still has to be done in order to enhance the delivery of water and dignified sanitation in the province. We are confident that with you minister, wheels will be set in motion,” said Mathabatha.

Mchunu followed with a meeting with Lepelle Northern Water Board to outline projects they are busy with within the province and the challenges they are facing regarding the implementation thereof, and what capacity they need.
He called on the department’s officials to check their moral compass as they work towards carrying out their duties.“I urge you all to deliver services to our people with vigour and the best of your ability. In 2021, we cannot afford to have people in Limpopo who are still without a consistent water supply,” he said.

Also read: Join the Neon Night Run for Cansa