SPEECH BY THE HON. MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF NTONDOZI POTABLE WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SCHEME.
VENUE:
EMVIMBEKO HIGH SCHOOL.
DATE:
1ST OCTOBER, 2014.
Programme Director
Colleague, Honourable Minister for Economic Planning and Development
Bantfwabenkhosi
Bobabe Tikhulu
Regional Administrator
Honourable Portfolio Committee Members of Both Houses of Parliament
Honourable Member of Parliament for Ntondozi Inkhundla
Indvuna Yenkhundla
Ntondozi Community
Water and Sanitation Committee Members
Members of the Media
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
I feel greatly honoured to have been invited to this important occasion to officially open the Ntondozi Potable Water Supply and Sanitation Scheme; which is indeed the first scheme to be officially opened by myself as the Minister responsible for water since taking over in November, 2013. I am reliably informed that this scheme has a sufficient borehole water source with a significantly high yield of water (over 3 litres per second). This water source will therefore be adequate to supply clean water for the approximately 5000 members of the Ntondozi community, (including this school) for decades to come.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
His Majesty’s Government has made it one of her core priorities to provide clean water for all by 2022 as clearly articulated in the National Development Strategy (NDS) and His Majesty’s vision of attaining First World Status. It should be noted that the country as a signatory to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), goal number 7 strives to halve the population without access to potable water by 2015 and my Ministry is desirous to achieve this goal within the stipulated time horizon.
In order to ensure that this is a reality the Ministry has since engaged in a number of programmes that include but are not limited to; the water point mapping study that seeks amongst other things, to determine the number of water supply schemes that exist in the rural communities, the functionality of the scheme as well as to establish the water supply coverage and access.
I am more than humbled to announce that this water supply scheme was funded by His Majesty’s Government through the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy at a total cost of 3Million Emalangeni. My sincere gratitude and appreciation is profoundly extended to my colleague’s ministry i.e. Ministry of Economic Planning and Development for the collaboration and significant contribution towards the desired goals.
In addition to this, I have learnt with jubilation that the beneficiaries have meaningfully contributed over twenty thousand Emalangeni (E20, 000.00) towards the running, operation and maintenance of this important scheme. This positive contribution is a clear demonstration of the commitment and ownership of this project by the beneficiaries. However, for its sustainability, I wish to encourage that you continue with the contributions towards the maintenance of this scheme.
The successful completion of this scheme through community participation is yet another testimony that you are committed towards the sustainability of this project. Having said that; I would like to strongly urge the community to use the acquired skills through the training afforded by my Ministry to manage this water supply scheme effectively and efficiently. In the event you encounter any maintenance problems pertaining to this project that you cannot deal with, please do not hesitate to call the Ministry for assistance. I further implore you to cooperate with the Committee which you elected whenever your participation is required. This is the only way the scheme can last longer.
I would like to cordially extend my sincere appreciation to the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) partners which includes amongst others; UNICEF, International Relief for Development (IRD), World Vision and other Government Ministries who also immensely contributed towards the Ministry’s defined mandate in the water sector, that of ensuring the provision of potable water to our rural communities.
I am happy to highlight that the community has formed a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Committee that will manage this scheme at local level. They have also managed to achieve 100% sanitation coverage with the Ministry of Health’s able assistance and good guidance.
In conclusion, I would like to thank all those who were part of the preparations for this successful occasion and those who participated in all magnificent entertainment activities that we have witnessed.
With these few remarks, it is my honour and pleasure to declare the Ntondozi Water Supply and Sanitation scheme officially opened.
May God Bless You All.