Water security vs. Job creation| DA, executive mayor collide in Polokwane

DEMOCRATIC Alliance’s Jacques Joubert has likened development projects amidst the water crisis in the City of Polokwane, Limpopo, with putting a horse before a cart.

Joubert, who is the party caucus leader in the city council, earlier called for further development projects to be halted until concrete plans to deal with the water deficit were in place.

But to the city’s executive mayor, John Mpe, a halt to development was unthinkable as it may lead to job losses and exacerbate unemployment.

Mpe said there were companies that wanted to close their operations, but were engaged to hang on.

“In 2019, the Silicon smelters wanted to close down. We had discussion with them and gave them guarantee for water and electricity, and the markets were also favourable for that. There was the Enterprise company that was closed down which has now been bought by a new company and we have to give them a guarantee.

“Why are we doing that? We acknowledge that we have to deal with the high rate of unemployment and job losses. One of the big tasks is to secure a conducive environment for the private sector to prosper. We should increase the private sector investment and also improve public sector one,” he said.

Mpe said the ultimate goal was to establish multiple industrial parks in various areas including rural areas as the city continue its quest to attain metropolitan status.

He was upbeat about the Seshego Water Treatment Plant now being in operation, augmenting 10 mega litres per day to the daily needs of the residents. He said the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer schemes were also being improved, which will result in the water security in Polokwane.

“This is to ensure that all the challenges we have are resolved,” he said.

Joubert this week acknowledged that the problem the municipality face was a complex one – water security versus stimulating job creation.

However, he cautioned that current projects such as the academic hospital will add to the water deficit in due course.

“Even at the construction phase massive amounts of water is used, until the ANC-led administration do not at least effectively deter excessive usage in areas that ordinarily receive water, we cannot consider the metro dream of the mayor.

“We believe that without a balanced and practical approach, keeping in mind water security for all areas of Polokwane, we need to carefully tread on approving more developments. All areas, including Mankweng, would need to pay for the water they receive which should also reduce the water supply deficit,” Joubert said.

He held the view that certain areas may become unmarketable because of the water crisis, and which may reduce municipal revenue due to lower assessment rates. He also believed manufacturing companies may be negatively impacted, resulting in job losses.

But Mpe remained unfazed, saying the municipality has a clear plan: “We are closing the gap that has been created for more than 300 years of apartheid-colonial rule.

“I bet with those that say where they rule, they rule better. Let them compare Langa [a township in Cape Town] with Seshego. If Seshego does not come out number one in terms of development, infrastructure, cleanliness and beauty, then we can accept that.

“But if they think ruling better is only at the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain where tourists spend their time, then that development is skewed towards the few that stay in the suburbs. Here in Polokwane when we talk about development, we also talk about development happening in rural areas.”