New water pipe to avert Madibeng crisis

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File photo

Published Jan 23, 2014

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Johannesburg - A new pipe has been installed in Madibeng, North West, to address the water shortage in the area, the department of water affairs said on Thursday.

“Upon switch-on today, the needs of more communities in the far-flung and high-lying areas, who were experiencing erratic supply, should now be relieved once the reservoir is augmented through the new pipe,” said department spokesman Mava Scott.

He said a third 600mm diameter pipe had been installed to enable an increased flow of water into the system, and it would accommodate about 200 cubic metres of water an hour.

The pipe would increase the water flow up to 750 cubic metres an hour.

Scott said the department had identified other areas which also needed attention.

He said about 11.6 million more households in the country had access to free basic water in 2011/2012, compared to 11.3 million in 2010/11.

The government had a 10-year plan to address a backlog in the supply of adequate water to another 1.4 million households, and in basic sanitation to 2.1 million households.

“As a water scarce country, South Africa has made great strides in harnessing this resource in support of a strong economy and a vibrant society...,” said Scott.

“This is achieved through effective water resources planning, infrastructure development and service delivery.”

North West Premier Thandi Modise established a provincial executive council task team to fight corruption in the protest-hit North West on Thursday.

Four people died in Mothutlung, near Brits, last week, during violent protests about a water shortage.

In nearby Hebron, residents complained about service delivery and called for the resignation of their ward councillor, who they claimed neither listened to them nor addressed their grievances.

Madibeng mayor Poppy Mangongwa and two other officials Ä chief whip Solly Malete and speaker Buti Makhongela Ä resigned on Tuesday.

Sapa

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