Embattled Giyani Bulk Water supply project set to cost taxpayers R6.7 billion

The Giyani Bulk Water supply project has encountered a number of fierce stumbling blocks which continue to drain public funds and anger Limpopo residents.

This is according The Citizen, which has published its latest report on the failings of the water supply project, citing comments made by Lepelle Northern Water chief executive Phineas Legodi during his impassioned plea to the residents of Limpopo.

Water supply project draining state funds

The eastern parts of Limpopo are suffering from a severe shortage of clean water, the effects of which were to be lessened by the construction and activation of the Giyani Bulk Water supply project.

Unfortunately for the thirsty residents of Giyani and its surrounds, the water project has been marred by gross mismanagement and financial misgivings, which have not only left locals high and dry, but have also put a strain on public funds.

Legodi explained that the only way forward for the project was a cash injection of a further R4.5 billion. The construction of the water supply system has ground to a halt, despite already costing taxpayers over R2.2 billion.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Giyani Bulk Water supply project had exceeded its budget during phase one of construction; phase two hasn’t even started yet.

Giyani Bulk Water supply project woes

It would seem that the Giyani Bulk Water supply project was doomed from the start, due to allegations of nepotism and internal squabbles between governmental departments and subcontractors.

Former president Jacob Zuma gave the go-ahead for the project in 2014. Later that same year, the Minister of Communications, Nomvula Mokonyane, took over the reins.

Since its inception, the water project, aimed at delivering fresh, clean water to embattled Limpopo residents, has been a financial migraine for the state. Starting with a budget of R502 million, that figure quickly ballooned to over R3.5 billion.

The Department of Water and Sanitation, along with local government structures, have placed the blame for this excessive increase on ‘unforeseen costs’ relating to the underestimated scope of work.

Service providers, Khato Civils, have refused to continue work on the project, claiming it is owed over R44 million by the DWS. This non-payment resulted in the retrenchment of over 100 employees.

Thirsty Limpopo locals threaten government

Residents of Giyani and Makoxa village have demanded that phase two of the project commence before the end of the year. Locals have also instructed the government to settle its account with Khato Civils so that surrounding villages could be supplied with water in the next few months.

Should local government fail to kick-start the water supply project, residents have threatened to boycott the African National Congress (ANC) at next year’s General Elections.