The community of Vlakplaas in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, were overjoyed to receive two storage water tankers from the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo this morning.

Accompanied by the acting Mayor of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, officials of his department and Lepelle Northern Water, Mahlobo handed over the tanks in line with Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s announcement that 41 000 storage tanks would be distributed as part of the government’s strategy to fight the Corona Virus pandemic.

Sisulu said this a short term measure to minimise the spread of the infection. Hotspot areas that did not have running water were subsequently identified for distribution. This will alleviate the plight of rural communities who walk long distances to fetch water. Tank water will help destitute communities to wash hands to avoid the infection with the virus.

Vlakplaas is home to 498 houses and it draws its water from Flag Boshielo Dam. Residents receive tinkered water at least twice week by the muncipality.

With the handover of the two tanks, water storage facilities have increased four due to the demand high demand.

“The distribution of the water tankers is a short term solution to assist with water shortages during the national lockdown period and in the long run we will check the possibilities of ground water and other sources of water supply so that we increase water infrastructures in the area”, said Mr Mahlobo

He urged collaboration between the municipality, the department and the water board. Mahlobo said in these trying times the storage tanks should never be empty as this might put the lives of many people at risk.. In addition, he asked the acting Municipal Manager to provide the community with hand sanitizers as and when they come to fetch water at the storage tanks and encouraged health and hygiene practices all the times.

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation in Limpopo