1279 water tanks and 43 water tankers delivered in Eastern Cape to reduce the effects of COVID-19
MEDIA STATEMENT
30 March 2020
1279 water tanks and 43 water tankers delivered in Eastern Cape to reduce the effects of COVID-19
The Department of Water and Sanitation in Eastern Cape has delivered a total of 1222 water tanks and 41 water tankers (trucks) to various communities in the province in an effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
This is in line with a directive issued by Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu on 15 March that water provision to remote areas and informal settlements in particular should be prioritized as a matter of urgency to beat the Covid-19 scourge.
Immediately after Minister Sisulu’s directive, Rand Water was appointed to coordinate all other entities across the country to flatten the curve of the Covid-19. As a result funds were allocated to procure to water tanks, tankers and stand pipes.
Deputy Minister Pamela Tshwete has been having various meetings with Departmental officials, Amatola Water Board and various municipalities to monitor progress made to date. This monitoring function undertaken by Deputy Minister Tshwete has unlocked many stumbling blocks that had a potential to further delay provision of water to the identified areas in the province.
Some of the identified areas include Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Joe Gqabi, Chris Hani, OR Tambo, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, Sarah Baartman and Makana.
Water Quality Practitioners will increase the frequency of monitoring water quality so that the water being delivered is of the required standard. Furthermore, water users are urged to use water with utmost care and not waste it as the Eastern Cape Province is still faced with acute water challenges to the effects of drought.
Minister Sisulu has reiterated her call for communities to guard water infrastructure provided to them as vandalism of water resources will have adverse impact, not only to them but to future generations to come.
“This is not a government resource, it is yours and it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that it is protected so that it can benefit more people in the near future”, said Sisulu.
Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation
For more information contact Sputnik Ratau, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 082 874 2942
For media releases, speeches and news visit the Water & Sanitation portal at: www.dwa.gov.za
