Government looks at alternative for Giyani water crisis

The Limpopo Government has reached an agreement with the Water Research Commission to address the water crisis in Giyani, Mopani.

The agreement is part of the newly launched Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme (GLSCRP). It aims to enhance climate resilience and water utilisation in the Giyani area. The programme focuses on scaling and optimising multiple-use water systems, services, and alternate energy options.

“The GLSCRP is a 3-year community-led programme,” read a statement on Tuesday.

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“Scaling Multiple Water Use Systems (MUS) and solar energy to develop, research and demonstrate practical and sustainable water and climate adaptation solutions in Giyani to improve water sources, utilisation, community resilience and local economic development.

“The project is currently implemented in five agricultural sites: Daniel Ravalela Farm, Dzumeri Farm, Loloka Farm, Dzumeri Farm 2 and Muyexe Community Project. It is also being implemented on four community sites of Mbhedle, Mayephu, Mzilela and Matsotsosela, with a population of approximately 5 000 residents,”

INITIATIVE TO ADDRESS WATER CRISIS IN LIMPOPO

Mr Walter Segooa, Deputy Director General for Stakeholder Management Coordination, signed the memorandum on behalf of the Provincial Government. He emphasised the alignment of this strategic partnership with the key priorities and aspirations of the Limpopo Development Plan (LDP), which aims to ensure integrated and sustainable socio-economic and infrastructure development while improving the quality of life for Limpopo citizens.

The Government of Flanders has given R40 million over three years to support this initiative, with the funding set to conclude in 2024. The project is also expected to sustain itself.

Mr Nikolas Bosscher, the Government of Flanders Representative, highlighted the significance of this collaboration.

“The challenges faced by South Africa, particularly in Limpopo, are the semi-arid climate and water delivery or availability issues. In Giyani, these challenges are even more pronounced, especially in meeting the MDG 2026 targets,” he stated.

Dr Jennifer Molwantwa, CEO of the Water Research Commission, emphasised the importance of harnessing skills and knowledge to empower communities to manage their own environment.

“This project has also laid the foundation for us to learn and do more with less. The lessons learned from this programme will serve as valuable information and knowledge for future endeavours. Indigenous knowledge, combined with scientific innovation, has been instrumental in helping communities adapt and progress,” she said.

The Limpopo Provincial Government invites the public to witness the positive impact of the GLSCRP firsthand. They encourage people to visit the areas in Giyani to see the implementation of flushing toilets without reticulated water.