Lentswe, Potchefstroom - President Cyril Ramaphosa held a successful engagement with the community of the JB Marks Local Municipality in Potchefstroom last week. This was a returnzvisit to the province following the initial District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in Mafikeng last year March. The purpose of the engagement was to assess progress on the government interventions since his previous visit.
Preceding the Imbizo were build-up outreach activities that were led by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, MECs and Mayors across the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and across the North West Province. Before engaging the community at Ikageng Sports complex, President Ramaphosa conducted an oversight visit to the construction site of the 25 ML Ikageng Reservoir, accompanied by Minister of Water and sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, the acting Premier of North West, Nono Maloyi, and mayors and other senior government officials.
The construction of the reservoir is funded through the Department’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG). Work commenced in January this year and is expected to be completed by July 2024, creating more than 100 job opportunities for the local community. Approximately 22 000 households and a population of 94 201 will be provided with water at the completion of the reservoir.
The reservoir and the new bulk distribution (gravity) pipeline will supply water to communities in Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Ext. 1,4,5 9, 12, Potchindustria, Mohadin as well as the Northern portion of Ikageng Ext. 7. Water shortages in these areas are the cause for regular protest action on the N12 at Potch that causes traffic delays.
The President proceeded to Ikageng Sports Complex to engage with the community members in a well-attended Imbizo. Amongst the issues raised were challenges of water and sanitation, lack of electricity supply, housing, and unemployment, particularly amongst the youth.
In responding to the issues raised, the president afforded various ministers, and the Acting Premier, an opportunity to respond to the community. The President issued a total of 2000 title deeds as part of expanding land ownership and to foster economic development. The title deeds were given to organisations and individuals.
On the issue of crime, it was announced that more 6 000 zama zamas (illegal miners) have been arrested in the North West province. There were six people arrested linked to the construction mafia.
