Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, is conducting an assessment of water source contamination and intervention projects in the Waterberg and Mopani District Municipalities. His visit comes amid growing concerns over water quality and supply in the drought-stricken province.
Today, the Deputy Minister visited Sekhiming, outside Giyani, where a sand water extraction project has been implemented to provide relief to communities facing severe water shortages. The innovative system extracts water from beneath dry riverbeds, treating and distributing it to over 100 households in the area.
Illegal Mining and Contamination Concerns
Residents in Giyani have long raised alarms over groundwater contamination, which they attribute to illegal mining activities. Earlier this year, the Nanondi Dam experienced a mass fish die-off, further highlighting the risks posed by pollution.
During his visit, Deputy Minister Seitlholo acknowledged the crisis, stating:
*”Limpopo is a water-scarce province, and contamination from mining, poor sanitation, and dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants is worsening the situation. Nearly 78% of the province’s wastewater treatment works are in a critical state, polluting our already limited water resources.”*
Sand Water Extraction: A Lifeline for Dry Communities
The sand water extraction project, piloted in 2021, has been a crucial intervention in areas where residents have gone 16 years or more without reliable water access. The system pumps water from 2.5 meters beneath dry riverbeds, treats it, and supplies it to villages like Sekhiming and Kakuran.
However, sustainability remains a challenge. The Deputy Minister emphasized the need for better cooperation with mining companies and improved infrastructure maintenance to prevent further contamination and water loss.
Next Steps
Seitlholo’s visit will continue with inspections in other affected areas as the department seeks long-term solutions to Limpopo’s water crisis. With climate change and illegal activities exacerbating shortages, the government faces mounting pressure to secure clean, reliable water for the province’s residents.
