SAHRC Provincial Manager Victor Mavhidula during a presser held at the commission’s offices on Friday stressed that they were disappointed that certain mayors did not attend the meetings scheduled with them and of which they had been notified in advance. He claimed that commissioners were forced to continue with the meetings with municipal junior officials who were somewhat unaware of most of the water challenges experienced in areas serviced by their respective municipalities. Mavhidula revealed that among the shocking discoveries made were contaminated water due to sewage running into rivers, a lack of capacity in municipalities and water pumps that are not working.

It was learnt that the Giyani water project that has thus far cost at least R3,1 billion was still not benefiting residents. Mavhidula stated that the new water plant in the area cost about R500 million and only worked for 18 months after it was opened in 2014. He emphasised that they were concerned about the amount of money used for water infrastructure projects that are not functional.

“The Nandoni Dam that was constructed at a cost of R3,5 billion is full of water but yet our people are thirsty. In Polokwane, the biggest challenge is water but we are always told that plans are in place to deliver water. It is claimed that people steal water before it reaches villagers but this can’t be an excuse. The dams are full but there is no capacity to pump water. Municipalities seemingly paid billions of Rands for services not rendered because the water pumps are not functional. The monies should be highlighted as fruitless and wasteful expenditure,” Mavhidula explained.
He further stated that the reticulation system at De Hoop Dam is operated by Lepelle-Northern Water but the commissioners learnt that out of the 12,5 ML that the entity is supposed to provide to residents, only 1,8 ML get pumped. Leakages on water infrastructure cost the province a lot of money and people should be trained to deal with the crisis, Mavhidula said.

Ameermia said: “We will inform all the municipalities on our findings. De Hoop Dam was part of a development strategy when it was built in the province. It was meant to deal with drought. It was supposed to be a solution to water problems faced in Limpopo. The dam is full of water but the unfortunate thing is that it does not provide people with water. The province should call for urgent intervention. If the Premier is the relevant person to declare a water disaster, so be it.”
The municipalities are expected to provide comprehensive reports on the water crisis to the commission within 30 days.

Source: Observer