03 Feb 2025

Kole residents have been implored to exercise patience while awaiting expedition of their water reticulation project.

Addressing residents during a kgotla meeting recently, the Assistant Minister of Water and Human Settlements, Mr Motsamai Motsami pointed that government was aware of the acute water shortage besieging the village and expectation was that the Ncojane-Ghanzi water project would put an end to the situation. 

However, he noted there had been some delays in the execution of the project due to contractual disputes and the matter was before the courts. He expressed hope that the matter would be settled during this month.

He pleaded with residents to continue being patient regarding the implementation of pending projects or services as the government was still faced with financial constraints. 

Mr Motsamai informed residents that promises to increase the old age pension to P1 800, and other electoral promises that were made by the now governing party, were still in the pipeline and government was committed to implementing them. 

He explained that the new government was currently abiding by the set rules and regulations from the previous government but when all was set there would be some changes in some laws and regulations.

He pleaded with residents to give the government time to sort things out and prepare for amendments of some policies and laws but he cautioned them, it would take some time with such reviews. 

He called for coordination across all village structures, saying their support would help him to deliver diligently in the ministerial portfolio.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Joseph Leswape decried the shortage of water for both human consumption and watering their livestock, something that he said had halted many projects. He pleaded with the legislators to assist with desludging of the village dam so that they could harvest rain water and use it for their animals during dry season. 

Mr Vincent Kinnear from the Ministry of Water and Service-Technical Services, explained that the Ncojane water project was divided into two components being, Ncojane-Matsheng water project and Ncojane-Ghanzi water project.

He said component one was projected to cost P1.9 billion, and the water would be reticulated to 12 villages in the Kgalagadi North constituency and was expected to be completed within 36 months. 

Mr Kinnear said component two was projected to cost P1.1 billion for eight villages in the Charleshill and Ghanzi areas, and would be completed within 27 months. He said project would create about 500 job opportunities for local communities. ENDS