ENGCOCO, Eastern Cape – In a significant move to improve access to clean drinking water for rural communities, the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) has partnered with the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) to expedite the implementation of spring water projects across the province. This collaboration was marked by the official handover of a project set to benefit five villages in the Manzana area, addressing the longstanding issue of water scarcity faced by these communities.
According to South African Government News Agency, the initiative not only promises to provide a sustainable water source but also employs a cost-effective approach by involving local residents in both the construction and maintenance of the water infrastructure. This strategy eliminates the need for external contractors, fostering job creation and skill development within the communities.
The project, implemented by the department’s Rural Appropriation Technology Unit (RATU), highlights the government’s commitment to leveraging natural resources, such as the more than 250 natural springs in the district, to address basic needs. The Manzana project alone is set to benefit over 1,220 villagers and has resulted in the employment and training of 75 individuals, including a significant number of youth.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to utilize the District Development Model to ensure the efficient rollout of similar projects across the Eastern Cape, aiming to reach communities currently lacking access to clean water. To date, this approach has facilitated the installation of 757 water taps, benefiting thousands of households and contributing to community development through the creation of nearly a thousand temporary jobs.