President Jacob Zuma has committed all spheres of government to provide extra support to areas hard-hit by drought.
The President was responding to a series of concerns raised by the members of the community of the uThungulu District Municipality and surrounding areas, in KwaZulu-Natal, during a Presidential Imbizo, on Sunday.
The community informed him that it was experiencing difficulties with regard to delivery of water services as a result of the drought which has affected the area and other communities across the country.
In response to these challenges, Zuma has tasked all spheres of government to intervene and ensure that all communities have water.
Drought relief programme
The President further announced government’s drought relief programme to effectively address the challenges facing drought affected communities in the district, including handing over water tanks, wheelbarrows and other equipment.
“Our government, working in partnership with civil society, will ensure that all communities have access to water. Water is one of the vital basic services, and we cannot leave this dire situation to continue.
“We have put measures in place for intervention. Among these measures is the refurbishing of bore-holes and bringing them back into operation,” he said.
R23 Million for drought relief
The district municipality, which is one of the most stricken areas by the current drought in KwaZulu-Natal, was allocated R23 Million from the Drought Relief Funds for the development of 32 new boreholes and protection of seven springs through its business plan that was approved by the Department of Water and Sanitation for implementation in April 2015.
The President further said there were also augmentation schemes which were under implementation across the country.
These include the Clanwilliam Dam Raising in the Western Cape; Mzimvubu in the Eastern Cape; Nwamitwa and Tzaneen Dam raising in Limpopo; Hazelmere Dam Raising in KZN; Lesotho Highlands Water Project 2, that will not only supply water to Gauteng, but to other provinces as well.
