Minister Senzo Mchunu Urges Officials to Expedite the Resolution of Polokwane Water Challenges

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, has urged officials to prioritize addressing the disputes hindering the implementation of water projects for communities in need of basic water services in the Capricorn District, Sekhukhune District, Polokwane Local Municipalities, and surrounding areas.

Meeting with Lepelle Northern Water

On August 24th, 2023, Mchunu, along with his deputy David Mahlobo and Polokwane Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Mosema Mpe, met with Lepelle Northern Water at the Kievits Kroon Wine Estate to obtain a progress report on the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer Upgrade Project.

Concerns of the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer Upgrade Project

The Olifantspoort and Ebenezer Upgrade Project aims to alleviate water challenges by refurbishing and upgrading aging water infrastructure to accommodate the rising water demands of a growing population. Phase 1A of the project aims to restore the water scheme to its full capacity of 114 m/l per day by October 2024, increasing to 144 m/l per day by 2026, with Phase 1B set to raise capacity further to 180 m/l per day by 2027. Phase 2 is planned to increase production to 270 m/l per day by 2029.

Plan to Address Challenges

During the meeting, Mchunu instructed officials from the department, Lepelle, and Polokwane Local Municipality to devise solutions to address the current challenges. Deputy Director-General responsible for Water and Sanitation Services, Mr. Risimati Mathye, presented a 12-point plan to unlock the obstacles faced by stakeholders directly involved in the project.

Key Points of the Plan

Key points of the plan include a concrete partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, improved contract management, enhanced capacity, better decision-making, and good governance.

Emphasis on Dedicated Project Managers

Mchunu emphasized the importance of dedicated project managers overseeing the work on the ground and requested regular updates on project milestones.

Urgency in Resolving Water Challenges

Mayor Mpe expressed his appreciation for Mchunu’s intervention on these long-standing issues, stressing the need for swift resolutions due to the growing demand for water in Polokwane.

The Olifantspoort and Ebenezer Upgrade Project serves as a vital undertaking to address the water crisis in the Capricorn District and surrounding areas. Minister Mchunu’s call for urgency highlights the importance of resolving disputes and implementing effective solutions to ensure access to basic water services for communities in need.