“Tswaing’s water crisis needs urgent action”

The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, says the dire water shortage in the Tswaing Local Municipality in the North West requires political intervention backed by technical support.

This follows his visit to the area to assess the state of water supply infrastructure, as residents say they have been struggling with inconsistent water supply for more than fifteen years.

They rely on alternative water sources such as boreholes and water tankers which have placed a burden on already struggling households.

Residents of Tswaing Local Municipality expressed their frustration with the poor supply of water, saying that since 2007, they have more days without water than with water and the problem affects approximately 32 villages in the municipality.

Seitlholo says his visit was prompted by a petition submitted by Tswaing residents highlighting their struggles with severe water shortages. He acknowledged the severity of the situation.

”These are cries that have seemingly fallen on deaf ears over time and these are cries that have not been attended to by the district municipality that is of course responsible for the provision of bulk water, infrastructure and sanitation in the municipality that they oversee.”

The MEC adds: “The situation here is quite man-made in a way because it really requires political role as well as the technical ability for capability from both the local municipality as well as the district municipality really make sure the projects that are currently underway such as boreholes which is the source of water of this municipality of Tswaing are functional.”