With maintenance of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) underway, the Department of Water and Sanitation has warned municipalities to be aware of the so-called “water tanker mafias” who deliberately sabotage water systems to attract business from municipalities.
The warning came during an inspection of the maintenance operation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel in Clarens, in the Free State.
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo, said in any crisis, particularly when it relates to water, there are opportunists.
“I want to warn mayors very strongly …. I want us to guard against that. In situations like this, the water tanker mafia is going to come in steam rolling, because to them this is pay day,” Seitlholo warned.
Seitlholo led the led an inspection of the maintenance operation along with Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, on Friday.
The joint maintenance operation by Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) and the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) is currently underway, following the tunnel system closure on 1 October 2024.
The TCTA is undertaking the maintenance operation on Delivery Tunnel North within South Africa, and LHDA will focus on the transfer tunnels at the Muela hydro power station in Lesotho.
Seitlholo urged the municipalities to undertake the necessary community education on what was happening.
“We must constantly communicate with our communities, using social media so that people are aware of what is happening, particularly in around consumption of water,” the Deputy Minister said.
READ I Government commends progress made in Lesotho Highlands Water Project maintenance
Mahlobo reminded those who are providing water to communities with water tankers that the situation was temporary.
“It is not a permanent thing…. let them give water to our citizens [but] do not let them exploit our people. If they break the law and try to interfere with the municipal systems, by vandalising the valves, the long arm of the law will reach them,” Mahlobo warned.
Acting Free State Premier, Jabu Mbalula, said the province was happy with the progress of the project, saying it will go a long way towards assisting the people of the province.
Mbalula assured citizens that the provincial government, working together with national government, was attending to the challenge of water.
He said water leaks were one of the most critical issues facing the province. – SAnews.gov.za
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