Zebediela gains a new water source
MORE than 13 000 households in Matjatji, Matlharolla and Mshengoville in Zebediela now have access to water after Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) mayor, Gilbert Kganyago, handed over the water projects last week.
LIMPOPO – MORE than 13 000 households in Matjatji, Matlharolla and Mshengoville in Zebediela now have access to water after Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) mayor, Gilbert Kganyago, handed over the water projects last week.
Kganyago said the projects would reduce water delivery backlogs in the Lepelle Nkumpi municipality. “The backlog in the area stands at 25% of people who still do not have access to water,” he continued.
He said the area had long been serviced through bulk water supply, which was not sufficient. Kganyago said this was a cost recovery project as residents would be expected to pay for water use at a later stage.
In Mshengoville, households relied heavily on bulk water supply and the construction of a water pipeline had now benefitted 8 400 households.
“In Matjatji, households also relied on bulk water supply, which was insufficient and the construction of a reticulation pipeline and installation of 1 000 metered yard connections has now benefitted 4 250 families.”
In Matlharolla, he said, the construction of a reticulation pipeline and 16 stand pipes had benefitted 3 788 households. As with other projects, the area received water from Lepelle Northern Water’s bulk supply, which was not enough, causing water to only be supplied on specific days of the week.
During the handover, Kganyako exhorted residents to take care of their new water resource so that they would have a longer lifespan. “As we hand over these projects, we wish to remind you to look after these infrastructure assets and stay vigilant against those who steal water pump engines; please report such criminality,” he said.
He said they were making advances to improve metering and billing of water to consumers and this would help them increase their water revenue.
“The municipality has spent R2 million to better the lives of residents. We have also launched a R5 million electrification project in Lebowakgomo, which is a prepaid meter project to be commissioned by Eskom.”
A Matjatji resident, Andries Kekana, thanked both municipalities on behalf of the community and said he was pleased the project came at a time when the village was in need of water. “We thank the local municipality and CDM for their commitment to bettering our lives.”
Pinkie Ledwaba of Matlharolle said the project would end years of pushing wheelbarrows and buying water from vendors or those with boreholes.
