Pretoria – Over 23 000 householdsin Dinokana village, outside Zeerust in the North West, will have improved access to safe potable water after a R22 million water reticulation project was launched on Monday.
Premier Thandi Modise launched the project, which saw nearly 1 000 people attending as part of the celebration of National Water Week. The Dinokana project forms part of the R150-million Premier’s legacy intervention projects, aimed at providing potable drinking water and sanitation to communities that do not have access.
Premier Modise said the provision of safe water was one way of restoring dignity in communities, especially in light of Human Rights Month.
“Water is a very important commodity, but is also a very scarce resource that must be preserved,” said Premier Modise.
She paid tribute to the community for the role it played in the liberation struggle. South Africa on Friday commemorated Human Rights Day.
“You were patient and did not advance entitlement for providing a safe route for many of our freedom fighters who passed through your village and the heroic pass revolt of the Bahurutshe women to demand services, which you rightfully deserve,” said the Premier.
The first phase of the water reticulation project involves piping of 48km will also empower local communities through job creation and skills transfer.
The entire project to eradicate water shortages in Dinokana, which will be rolled out in phases, requires R140 million.
The Premier said that Setlagole and Maquassi will also benefit from her legacy projects interventions.
In his remarks, Kgosi Keobusitse Israel Moiloa, of the Bahurutshe Ba Ga Moiloa Boo Ramotshere Traditional Authority, said that it was gratifying to see government responding to the issues he had raised during his inauguration.
He said the project should assist to resuscitate the agriculture projects, which had collapsed due to lack of water and also open opportunities for mining and other development projects.
Resident Martha Lepele, 62, said the provision of water was a very important step to bring much relief to the communities, who had been relying on.
Voicing his appreciation, 92-year-old Jonas Molefi said he was very happy with government’s effort and commitment to deliver services to people, especially those people in rural areas such as Dinokana.
In supporting the project, Mayor of Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, Afrika Thale, urged communities to look after the water infrastructure and to help ensure that there are no illegal connections made. – SAnews.gov.za
