On Monday, 10 February 2024, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina, officially handed over the Lubisi Water Treatment Works in the Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape.

The project, implemented under the department’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), will provide sustainable and reliable water services to underserved communities in the Intsika Yethu, Sakhisizwe, and Emalahleni local municipalities. Ninety-six communities with an estimated population of 94 307 will benefit.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Majodina called on municipalities to maintain their water infrastructure.

“Failure to maintain water infrastructure by the District Municipality impacts negatively on water provision. Illegal water connections and vandalism by some members of the community must be confronted and eliminated. Minister urged officials of her department to work with farmers to monitor and control water usage.

She reminded members of the community that they carry a civic duty to report vandalism and theft of water infrastructure.

“It is your infrastructure. Protect it. Theft and vandalism of water infrastructure contribute to water shortage. You must also stop buying stolen goods, because when you do that you are as guilty as the thief.”

Working together with our partners, the Ministry will continue to intensify its efforts to expand access to water services across the country. This is consistent with the undertaking made by the President in his recent State of the Nation Address.