Millions set aside to address Bloemhof water crisis - Premier Mahumapelo

09 Jun 2014

More than R20 million has been set aside to address water problems in Bloemhof, North West, Premier Supra Mahumapelo told over three thousand residents in Bloemhof on Sunday.

The announcement was made at a feedback meeting held at Boitumelong Township Stadium with the community aimed at returning the situation in the violence-torn Lekwa-Teemane Municipality to normality.

"Agreement was reached between us and Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane that the required amount will be put aside to solve the water problem," said Mahumapelo to a thunderous applause.

The meeting follows spate of violent protests linked to service delivery and the recent water contamination in the area, which claimed the lives of three infants.

The contamination was reportedly caused when sewerage spilled into the Vaal River which supplies water in the area, immediately sparking diarrhoea in the area.

Premier Mahumapelo, who was accompanied by Local Government and Human Settlement MEC Collin Maine, told residents that no effort will be spared in turning the municipality around for accelerated service delivery.

Mahumapelo announced that the leadership of the ANC in the province has resolved to recall the mayor from her position.

In welcoming the Premier's feedback, 30-year- old Thabiso Letlamore said he was pleased with the way the provincial government has handled the matter.

"I am very happy to see that the Premier has come here to listen to our concerns as residents. This shows that he is taking us serious as the community. We welcome his announcements as many of us in this area are unemployed," said Letlamore.

"We are happy with the intervention as it will serve to restore our confidence in the local municipality and create an environment for effective service delivery to take place," said 27-year- old Modisaotsile Tumelo, adding that the intervention by the provincial government was a step in the right the direction.

Mahumapelo, who appealed for cooperation, peace, reconciliation and healing also committed his administration to finding ways of addressing the high level of unemployment among youth in the area.

Statement issued by Sam Mokaila, spokesperson for the North West Office of the Premier, June 9 2014

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