South Africa’s Eastern Cape has been experiencing a prolonged drought, affecting many communities in the region. As a result, Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu has returned to the area to assess the progress of water supply interventions aimed at providing relief.
On August 15 and 16, Minister Mchunu will visit the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and local municipalities in the Sarah Baartman District, including Kouga and Makana. The purpose of the visit is to evaluate the state of water supply and water projects implemented to alleviate the drought’s impact.
Minister Mchunu’s visit follows his recent trip with President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Tsomo Bulk Water Supply Project. The project showcased progress made on a trans-boundary bulk water scheme intended to serve the Chris Hani District and part of the Amathole District Municipality.
During his visit, Minister Mchunu, along with Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, will meet with the leadership of the Metro, local municipalities, and the district to receive updates on the progress of water projects. These projects aim to address the allocation shortfall experienced by municipalities due to the drought.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has allocated funding through its Water Services Infrastructure Grants to implement a drought relief project in Kouga Local Municipality. In Makana Local Municipality, a project to refurbish and upgrade the James Kleynhans Water Treatment Works is underway, which aims to optimize the plant’s capacity to meet current water demands in the area.
The delegation will visit the project sites to witness the progress made, starting with the Kouga Drought Intervention Project on August 15 and the James Kleynhans Bulk Water Project on August 16. Members of the media are invited to attend the Media Doorstops at both locations.
As these projects progress, it is vital for government officials and the affected communities to maintain open lines of communication and continually assess the effectiveness of these interventions. This way, adjustments can be made as needed to address water supply challenges effectively, and the region moves towards sustainable water management.
With the ongoing effects of climate change and the increasing demand for water resources, it is crucial for governments and communities to work together to ensure the sustainable and equitable distribution of water for all citizens. Minister Mchunu’s efforts to assess and address water supply challenges in the Eastern Cape are a vital step towards achieving this goal.
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