Botshelo Water will be de-established in line with the recommendations of the National Water Review Strategy to reduce water boards as a way to improve their efficiency.

This follows an announcement earlier this year by the Department of Water Affairs (now Water and Sanitation) of plans to consolidate its water boards into nine regional water utilities.

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, says the de-establishment of Botshelo Water will not affect water services in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. Rand Water Board, which has been rendering support to Botshelo Water Board, will continue to do so until the end of September 2014. Sedibeng Water and Magalies Water will take over the functions of Botshelo when the de-establishment process has been finalised.

Mokonyane has assured officials at Botshelo Water that no jobs will be lost as well as assured the affected communities that there will be no disruption of services to Ngaka Modiri Molema in Mahikeng and outlying areas.

 

Government intervention

National government previously made a cash injection of R 54.5 million to assist with the operations until the end of June 2014, followed by an additional commitment of R33 million by the Department of Water and Sanitation. As of 7 July 2014 the national government, through the newly formed Department of Water and Sanitation, will deploy requisite resources in the form of personnel and other relevant skills.

“The Blue and Green Drop reports of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality were a cause for concern, the Department of Water and Sanitation will work hard towards the improvement of the delivery of better water quality and sanitation services,” said Mokonyane.