Central SA
Mangaung Metro allocates R78.6 million to alleviate water crisis─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 11:13 Mon, 10 Jun 2024
“Although the city has made huge strides regarding access to clean drinking water, the scourge of water leakages and losses continues to undermine our continued commitment to ensure everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food and water.”
Mangaung Metro is poised to make strides in addressing its longstanding water infrastructure issues after allocating R78.6 million to combat water leakages, losses, and water treatment challenges.
Bloemfontein and surrounding areas have been grappling with a severe water leakage problem, losing about 46% of its water supply due to neglected, unrepaired, and unmaintained infrastructure. This significant loss has deprived residents of a reliable water supply, leading to frequent and frustrating water cuts.
The urgency of this issue was underscored during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential Imbizo, where Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, announced two major projects worth at least R500 million are in the pipeline to enhance water supply for Mangaung residents.
In the 2024/25 budget announcement, Mayor Gregory Nthatisi detailed the allocation of over R70 million, specifically to address water-related challenges. Nthatisi highlighted the city's progress in providing access to clean drinking water but acknowledged ongoing water leakages and losses undermine these efforts. He emphasised the municipality's commitment to ensuring all residents have access to sufficient water.
“Although the City has made huge strides regarding access to clean drinking water, the scourge of water leakages and losses continues to undermine our continued commitment to ensuring everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food and water,” Nthatisi stated.
Mangaung Mayor tabling the metro's 2024/25 budget in the Bloemfontein City Hall. Photo: Facebook
Mayor Nthatisi called on residents to play an active role in addressing the water crisis by reporting any leakages or water losses to municipal authorities, including ward councillors.
In addition to water supply improvements, the municipality has earmarked R54.3 million to maintain and unblock sewer reticulation infrastructure, including emptying pit latrines.
This investment is expected to be crucial for areas like Grasslands 3, where residents, such as Khathaza'manyeamadoda Makandela (41), have used pit latrines for the past 15 years without any proper sewerage system.
The Metro has also allocated R3.46 billion to meet its loan obligations and settle related debts.
