NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA: Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo, has urged the Ngaka Modiri Molema District to implement a concrete plan aimed at improving operations and maintaining infrastructure to ensure dependable water provision and address the current water demand shortfall. The call was made during an oversight visit to the Tswaing Local Municipality, following concerns raised by local residents regarding water supply challenges.

According to South African Government News Agency, Deputy Minister Seitlholo inspected several water supply facilities, including boreholes in Blesbokpan, Kopela, Ottosdal, and the Sannieshof Water Tower, all within the Tswaing area. He was accompanied by Tswaing Local Municipality Mayor Norah Mahlangu, technical teams from the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, which acts as a Water Service Authority (WSA), and representatives from the Water and Sanitation’s North West Regional Office.

During the visit, it was revealed to Seitlholo by the Tswaing Local M
unicipality that most boreholes in the area are non-operational, and those that function either suffer from leaks or are vulnerable to vandalism. The Deputy Minister expressed concern that both district and local municipal teams lack knowledge about the water balance of the boreholes and the volume of water they can supply versus the demand.

Seitlholo highlighted significant challenges faced by these municipalities, which are compounded by a lack of engagement and cooperation between district and local authorities. He pointed out that millions of rands have been spent on contractors who have abandoned projects while communities remain in dire need of water. The Deputy Minister accused certain municipal officials and politicians of colluding with unscrupulous contractors to sabotage water and sanitation infrastructure.

He further noted that the borehole stations inspected have suffered vandalism, with electrical equipment being stripped. Seitlholo speculated that the damage might be executed by individuals w
ith access to sensitive information and resources, given the strategic locations and travel distances involved in reaching these boreholes.