MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga has implored communities to safeguard water systems as a lever to advance the fight against COVID19 infections. This after the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) delivered water tankers in 17 Local Municipalities to promote washing of hands and hygiene to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The DWS will deliver Four hundred and Fourty (440) Jojo tanks across the municipalities.
Mr Msibi says vandalism of the tankers and the jojo tanks will exacerbate the vulnerability of communities from the coronavirus. “The intervention of the DWS is a cornerstone for the government’s initiative of promoting washing of hands as one of the measures to prevent COVID 19 infections. It is an extraordinary measure that government is undertaking to prevent infections. Therefore vandalism and theft of these facilities will have dire consequences. We implore all communities to protect them and to use the water for what it is intended for. Any act of vandalism or theft will be deemed criminal and must be reported to the law enforcement agencies for arrest and prosecution,” Mr Msibi explained.
The refurbishment and drilling of boreholes by water agencies is underway to augment the supply of water in areas where the supply is inadequate.
ENDS.
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs,
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contact Numbers: 013 766 6572/ 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
Facebook: @mpucogta
Twitter: @cogtamp