The challenge of water shortages in Vhembe will be history soon as the Nandoni project is nearing completion.

This was said by the executive mayor of Vhembe, Cllr Tshitereke Matibe, in response to a question during a recent visit to the area.

Matibe, Mayor Grace Mahosi, the mayor of Thulamela, and other senior officials others visited Ha-Tshikonelo outside Thohoyandou as part of the mayor’s programme to interact with the community and to learn about their problems.

During his meeting with the community in the tribal office, the community said that there was a serious need for water. Others raised their concerns about the lack of electricity, the bad access roads and long distances they had to walk to clinics and schools.

Matibe said it pained him to see that the community is in dire need of water, while the Nandoni dam was full. “We are trying our best to speed up the process, so that you can get water in your homestead as soon as possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, contractors are providing boreholes as a temporary solution to the community, so that they can get water.

On the issue of access roads and re-graveling, Matibe said it would be difficult to solve the problem entirely as there were only 11 tractors in Thulamela. These tractors must cater for 40 wards that have more than 400 villages.  “However,” Matibe said, “we will try to get more tractors, even though it will take some time.”

Chief Alfred Nngwedzeni Mphaphuli, who was hosting the delegation, said he was happy that the community had engaged with the two mayors about their needs. Mphaphuli also urged the community to be patient with their government. “As you have heard, our government is trying its best to deliver. Do not engage in protest marches as you have heard that your leaders are always ready to listen to you,” said Mphaphuli.

 

 

Source: zoutnet.co.za