The Department of Water and Sanitation says all 24 villages, which are part of Phase 1 of Giyani Water Projects, are expected to have running water from their taps by the end of June this year.
“While some of the villages are receiving water from their taps and some have not, the department anticipates that all of the 24 villages will have water running from their taps by the end of June.
"The remaining 31 villages will be part of Phase 2 of Giyani Water Projects and its reticulation is expected to start in this new financial year,” Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu said this week.
Mchunu, who is currently traversing various villages in Giyani to inspect progress on the Phase 1 of the reticulation component of the Giyani Water Project, has expressed satisfaction with the progress made to restore water supply and extend yard connection services to 55 villages in Giyani in the Mopani District Municipality, Limpopo.
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The project is funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation and implemented by the Mopani District Municipality as the Water Services Authority.
Mchunu said the remaining components of the Giyani Water Project to be completed include the refurbishment of Giyani Water Treatment Works, bulk pipeline, and water reticulation projects, which is an extended service from communal taps to metered yard connections for the 55 villages.
He said 24 of the 55 villages currently have taps installed in their yards, with some already receiving water.
VIEW | Oversight visit to Giyani water project
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The 24 villages in Phase 1 include, Thomo A and B, KaMninginisi, Mhlaba Willem, Homu 14 A and B, Mapayeni, N’waKhuwani, Ngove A, B and C, Gawula, Mahlathi, Bambeni, Mageva, Sikhunyani, Maphata, Xikukwani, Makoxa, Dzingidzingi and Bode, among others.
Mchunu said construction in some villages to connect bulk pipeline to local reservoirs, including the refurbishments of existing reservoirs and installation of elevated steel tanks is underway.
Despite delays in the project, Mchunu acknowledged the plans implemented by the municipality, which led to unblocking project delays.
“I am satisfied with the work currently underway, although we are behind schedule due to the history of this project. However, the level of commitment demonstrated by the contractors has showed that we are making progress in getting water to the people’s households.
“This indeed signals a new era of ensuring that households in rural and urban areas have access to clean, fresh water in their homes. We are determined to provide equal quality service to all the residents of the country,” Mchunu said.
Accompanied by his Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, and Limpopo Cooperative Governance Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs MEC, Basikopo Makamu, Mchunu also visited the completed 40.5 km pipeline, which is now transferring bulk water from Nandoni Dam to Nsami Dam, and the Giyani Water Treatment Works, which is being refurbished to reach its maximum capacity of treating 30 megalitres of water per day to benefit the local residents and the villages. – SAnews.gov.za
