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Cogta prioritises water projects amidst #Covid19

───   KATLEHO MORAPELA 15:09 Tue, 31 Mar 2020

Cogta prioritises water projects amidst #Covid19 | News Article

Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Parks Tau, says they will intensify efforts to ensure adequate sanitation and water provision in different parts of the country.


He says in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus, the department will ensure that projects aimed at developing water infrastructure are accelerated. Tau's statement comes amidst growing concerns over residents in drought hit provinces such as the Free State. The province made national headlines months ago when Qwaqwa residents were up in arms over the lack of water supply by the local Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality, stating that they had been without running water for years without any government intervention. 

Subsequent to their protests, which saw schools and businesses shut down, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu allocated R220 million to remedy the situation. Tau says his department, in collaboration with other departments, are still working around the clock to ensure that all drought-ridden areas are supplied with water and that they will be increasing the number of Jojo tanks to various areas while they work on long term projects. 

Free State Cogta MEC, Thembeni Nxangisa, on Monday visited the Fikapatso Dam in Qwaqwa where he confirmed dam levels are steadily increasing. 

"The team working on the treatment plant is working day and night shifts to speed up the process and we are certain residents will soon have running water" said Nxangisa.


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