Pretoria – The Department of Water and Sanitation says the situation in Majakaneng village in the North West has returned to normality following violent water-related protests.
The department is working with Magalies Water, which has been appointed as the implementing agent to resolve water issues in the village on the north-western outskirts of Pretoria.
“The good news is that everything is on track following the third meeting of the Majakaneng Water Forum held last week,” said department spokesperson Sputnik Ratau.
The North West provincial government has also committed itself to avail R9 million to help address water challenges in the area.
This process, Ratau said, unlocked many obstacles and challenges that blocked the way towards starting the daunting task of repair works.
Ratau said that water supply difficulties in Majakaneng and neighbouring areas have been resolved, as the team appointed to handle the matter continues to do its job.
“In terms of progress attained, it is noted that as at 27 February, 250 job cards were issued by 20 February 2015. On top of this achievement, 175 repairs were completed while arrangements were being finalised to issue the next batch of job cards.
“The need for education and awareness of the local community cannot be undermined and thus plays an important role that should be a cornerstone towards the success of these talks, and the long-term resolution of water challenges,” Ratau said.
To create awareness about what is happening in the area, Ratau said that advertising campaigns for community appointments were intensified by way of submitting appointments to the Majakaneng Water Forum, which is chaired by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
“This process includes the community yard audits, which were due to be implemented last week. The repairs and installation of standpipes was done by the team consisting of the skilled and semi-skilled workforce sourced from the community.”
The work of the Community Water Forum has also raised awareness in the area around individual responsibility. This includes allowing technicians and all responsible to do their work without impediment.
Ratau said this work is a build up towards the purchase of more materials that will be used for planned extensive work engagements from 1 – 3 April 2015.
All stakeholders are reported to be impressed with the positive feedback from last weekend’s community meeting. This has paved way for Jojo water tanks installations to start being implemented in areas not covered by the reticulation. The water tanks will be connected to the water supply system.
The ongoing geo-hydro studies in the area will identify additional boreholes to supplement supply from the current four productive boreholes.
Meanwhile, mining companies in the area are ploughing back into the community of Majakaneng by helping to restore water supplies.
Ratau said representatives from Samancor, Lonmin and International Ferro Metals (IFM) are part of a committee that has been established to improve water supplies in the area.
“They are also playing a role in the construction of roads and houses in the area. Feedback from the water forum is that the community is happy with progress thus far,” said Ratau. – SAnews.gov.za
