Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina has a warning for those who vandalise water infrastructure.
MINISTER condemns vandalism.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina has strongly condemned the vandalism of water infrastructure in Free State and the country at large.
According to Majodina, the vandalism of water infrastructure is a serious concern in the province as it has severely impacted communities and the environment.
The struggling municipalities including Matjhabeng and Maluti-a-Phofung are in a critical state due to vandalism and a lack of maintenance.
The municipalities have reported that theft and vandalism have become major challenges where perpetrators target steel pipes, electric cables and fencing.
Majodina visited Lesotho Highland Water Project (LHWP) in Clarens on Saturday, 1 February.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina warned perpetrators of vandalism in the water infrastructure to expect prosecution. Video by: Joseph Mokoaledi pic.twitter.com/HqQB8JpZkE
— Joseph Mokoaledi (@JosephMoko39443) February 1, 2025″We have noted serious sabotage of our infrastructure. We will not tolerate the vandalism of our water infrastructure. We have identified water tankers as some of the perpetrators of this senseless destruction and we will take action. This is sabotage of the country.
“We are also addressing the issue of illegal connections, which not only compromise our infrastructure but also deprive communities of safe and reliable water supply. We will work tirelessly to protect our water resources and infrastructure and we call on communities to avoid unnecessary leakages,” she said.
The department called on communities to protect water infrastructure rather than destroy it.
“This destructive behaviour not only disrupts essential services but also jeopardises the country’s water security and sanitation dignity,” she said.
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Majodina sent a stern warning to the perpetrators to stop their behaviour as law enforcement will deal with them decisively.
She was supported by Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, Free State Cogta MEC Teboho Mokoena and top officials from various municipalities.
Majodina promised the LHWP tunnel will be fully operational towards the end of March after an intensive maintenance both in Lesotho and South Africa.
The maintenance of the tunnel has affected Gauteng and many areas in Free State.
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