Map urged to secure water infrastructure

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA – Free State head of Water and Sanitation Dr Tseliso Ntili has reminded the municipality to safeguard infrastructure handed to them and ensure it is not vandalized for it to last.

Ntili said this during the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) Steering Committee’s visit at Fika Patso Dam and the Nuwejaarspruit Pump Station in Harrismith where they were joined by the executive mayor of Maloti-a-Phofung local municipality on Wednesday August 21,2024.

“Municipalities should take ownership and responsibility for water and sanitation infrastructure handed over to them. Proper operation and maintenance need to be undertaken to make sure that the infrastructure lasts. Vandalism occurs repeatedly and security measures should be put in place.

Free State Water and Sanitation head ,Dr Tseliso Ntili Ccompanied by Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality executive mayor Malekula Melato at monitoring visit at Fika Patso.

“It is the second time that the DWS furnished Nuwejaarspruit pump station, which was vandalized previously while it was 98 percent complete. Government cannot keep investing in the same project repeatedly as there are other areas that also require these funds,” Dr Ntili said .
For her part, the executive mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality Malekula Melato described as an eye opener the opportunity hear about the nitty-gritties of ensuring all residents ultimately get water from their taps.

FS head of Water and Sanitation Tseliso Ntili and Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality executive mayor Malekula Melato during monitoring visit at Fika Patso dam.

“The visits have given me a real feel of what is happening in these projects that are so desperately needed,” she said.

The Fika Patso Water Purification plant is practically complete and is expected to be handed over to the municipality.
The Steering Committee comprises water professionals and stakeholders and meets monthly to ensure all residents get reliable water supply from their taps. This meeting was different as they went out on site visits to the water provision projects.