By OBAKENG MAJE
The residents of Mothanthanyaneng village, near Taung, call on the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to converge at a meeting to devise a strategy on how best to provide permanent water solutions to them. These residents said they are now forced to draw water from a quarry.
One of the irked residents, Olebogeng Sehako accused their ward councillor, Tefo Moraladi of ignoring their plea. Sehako alleged that what Moraladi does best is to buy alcohol for the community.
“We either get water from a quarry, where animals also drink or from a neighbouring village, Granspan. The provincial government has implemented a strategy to identify water and sanitation challenges across the province since 2021, but nothing is happening.
“We call for necessary plans for immediate interventions. We were told that all communities with critical water shortages will be prioritised. However, that is not the case,” he said.
Another resident, Ranolang Moleme (58) shared the same sentiments. Moleme alleged that they do not even know who their ward councillor is because no community meetings are convened on a monthly basis.
“There are no developments in our area. What we always get are empty promises. The government fails to deliver basic services such as provision of water, accessible roads and others. We urge our government to take us seriously.
“Why should we walk long distances to access clean and drinkable water? It has been a while since we urged our government to ensure there is provision of water, but all our pleas fall in deaf ears,” he said.
Meanwhile, even though ward councillor in Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Tefo Moraladi admitted that there are some challenges in the area, he refuted allegations that what he does best is only to buy alcohol.
“We understand that there is a concern regarding lack of service delivery in some areas. However, it all depends on what the communities have prioritised during the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). As the municipality, we have a mandate to ensure that we instil high mast lights, build community halls and internal roads.
“The construction of clinics and provision of water are the responsibilities of other departments. If there is a need, we liaise with them and ensure that they fulfil their mandate. So, I am in the process of ensuring that all communities receive service delivery,” he said.
Moraladi further said the municipality heavily relies on conditional grants, so they cannot cover everything at once. He added that every financial year, they make sure that all areas get services.
The Guardian 