Phuthaditjhaba: Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo emphasized the urgent need to expedite service delivery to communities in light of the latest South African National Census statistics. Mahlobo addressed this issue during the District Development Model (DDM) Social Compact Imbizo, held at the Multi-Purpose Centre in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality.
According to South African Government News Agency, the recently released census data should guide efforts to improve service provision, particularly in water and sanitation. He noted that while over 90% of the population has access to water, there are still communities in need, and it is both a mandate and a constitutional right for these communities to receive water services. He stressed that meeting these needs aligns with the vision of the country’s democratic founders.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is actively supporting municipalities in constructing new infrastructure and refurbishing existing ones to meet the growing water demand and minimize losses due to ageing systems. This assistance is facilitated through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) programs, which provide funding for water infrastructure projects.
In the Maluti-A-Phofung area, the RBIG program has been instrumental in addressing water challenges, with R176 million allocated in the 2022/23 financial year and R154 million in the current financial year for water projects. Additionally, the WSIG program has allocated R127 million from 2022/23 to 2024/25 for drilling boreholes and improving sewer infrastructure in the region.
Mahlobo announced that for the first time, communities in Maluti-A-Phofung are receiving water from the Sterkfontein Dam, marking a significant achievement that once seemed unattainable. These communities will further benefit from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project upon its completion.
The deputy minister outlined several ongoing and planned projects in the Maluti-A-Phofung area, including the upgrading and refurbishment of various water treatment works, the development of bulk water supply systems, and the drilling of boreholes. These initiatives aim to improve water revenue and reduce non-revenue water.
Additionally, Mahlobo mentioned financial allocations for infrastructure development in municipalities under the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, including significant investments in Setsoto, Nketoana, and Dihlabeng.
The imbizo focused on developing a social compact through the DDM approach, reviewing partnerships, and exploring ways to strengthen them for improved service delivery. Discussions also centered on water and sanitation services as key drivers of socio-economic development in the area.