Task team established to address water challenges: Ramathuba

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba delivers the State of the Province Address in Lebowakgomo.

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Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba says a task team has been established to address the water challenges being faced by residents in the Limpopo.

This was announced by Premier Phophi Ramathuba during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Lebowakgomo.

Ramathuba says water provision in the province has regressed to 64%, leaving over 36% of residents without water.

Residents in Sekhukhune, Giyani, and Seshego have been complaining about water shortages for decades.

“We acknowledge that the water provision in Limpopo has regressed to 64,2% leaving 35,8% of our people without this necessity. The growing population is adding to the burden of our aging water infrastructure in our municipalities. We committed to ensure that a functional Provincial Task Team to coordinate implementation of a water intervention strategy to be established,” says Ramathuba.

It’s all systems go for the 2025 State of the Province Address at the Limpopo Legislature, Limpopo. #SOPA2025 #LimSOPA2025 #7thAdministration #LeaveNoOneBehind #LetsGrowLimpopoTogether pic.twitter.com/xa2REsn7LR

— Limpopo Provincial Government (@OtpLimpopo) February 27, 2025

Zebediela Citrus Communal Property Associations

Ramathuba says the infighting within the Zebediela Citrus Communal Property Associations has led to the collapse of the citrus estate.

The multi-million-rand farm was once the biggest exporter of citrus to the European market before it collapsed. The government has since invested millions of rands to revive it without success.

Ramathuba says they will seek intervention from the national Department of Agriculture for the farm to be revived.

“Honourable members, our decision is very clear, that there are challenges within the Community Property Association and we have to work together to deal with this, as it is taking us backward. We have decided to elevate the matter to our relevant national ministry because in terms of the law, they have a mandate in terms of Communal Property Associations,” says Ramathuba.