Maape’s spokesperson, Sello Tatai, says water issues in the province, especially in towns such as Rustenburg and Mahikeng, might be exacerbated by the ageing water infrastructure. He says more attention is being given to the problem to see to it that residents in the province do not suffer adverse effects of such problems. Tatai has blamed water issues on the lack of resources in the province.

“You must understand that it’s not only a question of a lack of planning, as you are putting it, but it equally has to do with the issue of resources because when we plan, (we have to ask) if we have enough resources for the full implementation of this particular plan. In the province, you need to find the balance, given that 60-70% of the province is fairly rural,” he adds.

Last week the various cities and towns in the province had water challenges. Maape said they recognize the impact that this has had on a number of communities, within the context that water is a basic right which is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. We wish to indicate that the government is addressing this issue head-on and has taken a number of steps to ensure that all residents of the province have access to water, both in the short and longer term”. This even forced the province to quickly convene a special meeting of the Inter-Departmental Water Task Team which comprises Provincial Departments, the National Department of Water and Sanitation, Water Boards, and all municipalities in the province.

In a statement, Maape said the task team, which will serve as a War Room on Water, will ensure that we act in the spirit of cooperative governance in tackling the issues of water provision in the province. “We are one government and we wish to ensure that the people of our province are able to experience the provision of services in a seamless manner,” he further added.

OFM News