President Zuma commits Government to provide extra support to drought hard-hit areas

3 April 2016

President Jacob Zuma has committed all spheres of government to provide extra support to drought hard-hit areas including uThungulu District Municipality to ensure that communities have adequate access to clean water as the country is experiencing its worst drought in decades. 

The President was responding to a series of concerns raised by the members of the community of the district municipality and surrounding areas during a successful and productive Presidential Imbizo held today, 03 April 2016 in Melmoth, in KwaZulu-Natal.

He visited the community of the district following its appeal to government to intervene as the community was experiencing difficulties with regard to delivery of water services as result of the drought which has affected the area and other communities across the country.  

The Presidential Imbizo enables a direct engagement with the community to equip government with a first-hand understanding of the challenges that are faced by communities and to intervene meaningfully and with speed to improve their lives.

In response to these challenges, President Zuma has tasked all spheres of government to intervene and ensure that all communities have water. The President further announced government’s drought relief programme to effectively address the challenges facing drought affected communities in the district including handing over water tanks, wheel barrows and other equipment. 

President Zuma said it was a constitutional obligation for government to take care of its citizens to ensure a better life for all, and assured the community that government would prioritize addressing the drought challenge not only in the district but also in other affected areas across the country. 

“Our government, working in partnership with civil society, will ensure that all communities have access to water. Water is one of the vital basic services, and we cannot leave this dire situation to continue.

Given this state of affairs, as a responsive and caring government of the people, we realized how devastating this drought is, which is why we have put measures in place for intervention. Among these measures is the refurbishing of bore-holes and bringing them back into operation," he said.

The President added that boreholes were being drilled and were still to be equipped, while others were already operational.

The district municipality, which is one of the most stricken areas by the current drought in KwaZulu-Natal, has bulk water infrastructure mainly centred in its small towns (Eshowe, Melmoth, Mtunzini, Nkandla and Mbonambi). It also has over 200 small water supply schemes served by production boreholes and springs covering most of its rural areas. Some of these water sources have dried up as a result of drought.

Uthungulu District was allocated R23 Million from the Drought Relief Funds for the development of 32 new boreholes and protection of seven springs through its business plan that was approved by the Department of Water and Sanitation for implementation in April 2015.  

President further said there were also augmentation schemes which were under implementation across the country including: 

- Clanwilliam Dam Raising in the Western Cape;

- Mzimvubu in the Eastern Cape;

- Nwamitwa and Tzaneen Dam raising in Limpopo;

- Hazelmere Dam Raising in KZN;

- Lesotho Highlands Water Project 2, that will not only supply water to Gauteng, but to other provinces as well;

“The total increase in capacity through the expansion of those dams will be equivalent to 54% of the Vaal Dam. Other interventions include dispatching water tankers to the communities, as part of bringing them the much needed relief. Specialized mobile reservoirs are also being rolled out to severely affected areas,” the President said. 

Government has launched numerous bulk water projects which are underway in KwaZulu-Natal this in a bid to provide more water to the people. 

The Major Bulk Infrastructure Projects that are under construction in KwaZulu-Natal including:

- Mhlabatshane Bulk Water Supply

- Greytown Regional Bulk Water Scheme Phase 2

- Nongoma Bulk Water Supply

- Pongolapoort Bulk Water Scheme;

- Dukuduku Resettlement Water Supply

- Middledrift Bulk Water Supply

- Greater Mthonjaneni Bulk Water Supply Phase 2

- Greater Bulwer Donnybrook Water Scheme

In addition, municipal water infrastructure grant projects are also planned for the municipalities of uMkhanyakude, uThungulu, uMhlathuze, Zululand, Ilembe, Uthukela and Ugu.

In addition, the President encouraged communities to report tap leakages to nearest Municipalities, which was another contributing factor to water shortage in the country.  

“The War on Leaks also remains an important programme in support of efficient water use. The success of the campaign depends on the participation of industries, business and the public, by asking everyone to fix leaking water pipes and taps on business premises, as well as in homes,” the President said. 

President Zuma was accompanied by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Senzo Mchunu, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pamela Tshwete, MECs as well as councillors. 

Issued by Bongani Majola on behalf of the Presidency, 3 April 2016