South Africa Government

05/17/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/17/2022 23:41

Minister Senzo Mchunu on support to Vhembe District Municipality in the restoration of water and sanitation services in Musina

Minister Mchunu to support Vhembe District Municipality in the restoration of water and sanitation services in Musina

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, offered support to the Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo in restoring and ensuring the continued provision of water and sanitation services to the residents of Vhembe District, following recent violent protests along the N1 Road from Nancefield in Musina over water shortages.

Minister Mchunu convened a virtual meeting earlier today, 17 May 2022, with the Mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality, Cllr Nenguda Dowelani, to receive an update on challenges of water and sanitation in the District and measures to address them.

The Minister was told that the water shortages are as a result of the maintenance of the bulk pipeline which provides water to Musina residents.

Dowelani said in addition to the deployment of water tankers to affected areas, the bulk pipeline had been repaired to address the leakages, which were resulting in water losses. "Water has been restored and is currently being supplied to Musina residents except Extension 14, due to the low volume of water".

The Mayor further stated that in relation to the water shortages in some parts of Musina town and surrounding townships as a result of compromised water production caused by 12 boreholes which were washed away by heavy rains, the contractors were onsite to drill six additional boreholes on the riverbank and that the 12 boreholes which had been washed away would be restored once they became accessible.

Dowelani added that the municipality has since issued a statement advising on the return of water supply and progress update on the additional boreholes.

Minister Mchunu and his Deputy Ministers will be in the Limpopo province as of next week, 23 May 2022, to continue engaging on water and sanitation challenges.

For more information, contact Sputnik Ratau, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 082 874 2942