Parliament, Wednesday, 18 September 2024 – Limpopo’s Permanent Delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and their provincial counterparts today recommended urgent intervention by relevant government departments to resolve the challenges of delayed, incomplete, or abandoned provincial and municipal infrastructure projects in Waterberg District.
The joint delegation visited seven projects on Wednesday: the WCWAP 1 water pipeline from Thabazimbi to Lephalale, Mokolo Dam, wastewater treatment works, water reticulation, and an internal road in Northam, the SMASH Block informal settlement outside Thabazimbi, and the Relebogile housing project in Thabazimbi.
The Relebogile housing project was the highlight of the day. The provincial Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs completed 270 housing units in record time. The units were allocated to deserving beneficiaries, a testament to the potential for successful infrastructure projects. However, water and electricity remain challenges in the community.
Another preliminary recommendation related to the SMASH Block informal settlement. The joint delegation was of the view that the next Premier Imbizo should be held in this community to create a platform for all provincial government departments to be under one roof and offer solutions to challenges faced by residents. They also said that the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources should conduct oversight visits to all mining companies in the Waterberg District to inspect compliance with their social labour plans.
The SMASH Block informal settlement has existed for 30 years but is still a community of shacks with no electricity, proper roads, or ablution facilities. Although delayed due to various reasons, such as a shortage of funds and interruptions by some community members, construction work is currently underway at other project sites.
Tomorrow, the joint delegation will visit the wastewater project in Thabo Mbeki Township, Lephalale, and a road construction between the Tom Burke, Swartwater, and Bakenberg water projects.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE LEADER OF THE DELEGATION, MR MALESELA MOKWELE.
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