Minister Mchunu calls on Dinokana community to convene water and sanitation forums

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has called on the community of Dinokana in Zeerust to convene forums which will oversee water and sanitation related services in the area.

Speaking during a community Imbizo on Wednesday, 02 February 2022 in Dinokana, Minister Mchunu challenged the community to speak in one voice and work collaboratively with the Department of Water and Sanitation and local government to ensure water security in the community.

“We are here to not only listen but to ask for a marriage, where we all work together in a concerted way to help find solutions to water challenges you are experiencing in the community,” said Minister Mchunu.

He was accompanied by Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Dikeledi Magadzi, alongside Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs MEC, Lenah Miga and Ngaka Modiri Molema Executive Mayor Councillor Khumalo Molefe.

Also speaking during the Imbizo, Deputy Minister Mahlobo encouraged community members to practice active citizenry by not being afraid to voice out their dissatisfaction when water services are not being delivered.

“Do not be afraid to ask your Mayor when you will get water coming out from your taps in your yards. You must never ever be afraid to say to us you don’t want promises, you want clean running water because I can assure you, we are not here to make empty promises. We are here to ensure work gets done and follow through on what we are set out to do,” said Deputy Minister David Mahlobo.

The local Chief, Kgosi Khang Tsholo welcomed the delegation in the community and expressed his appreciation for the Imbizo.

“We have always wanted to meet with the water and sanitation Ministry, I am happy to welcome you and that you are here to listen to us and hopefully, you will be able to bring water in our homes,” he said.

Community member Khumoitsile Mothoagae expressed that of importance to the youth of Dinokana, is bridging the skills gap and the provision of employment opportunities through projects.

“We implore Minister Mchunu to please ensure that the unemployed young people in Dinokana are considered during bulk water projects implementation in our community. We are hungry for employment opportunities and we are raising our hands to ask for assistance,” Mothoagae said.

Minister Mchunu assured the community that the Department would follow through on incomplete water projects in the community and challenged the recently appointed Councillor Molefe to bring about positive changes in the community and ensure he becomes the beacon of hope the community needed so much, but more than anything, improve the delivery of services in the community.

For more information, contact Sputnik Ratau, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 082 874 2942

Source: Government of South Africa