Quthing, Dec. 10 — The Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Mihlomi Moleko, officiated the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of a clean water supply system and ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilets at Ha-Danyele area in the Mount Moorosi constituency on Thursday.
The project, to a tune of over M2 million, will provide clean water to more than 320 residents and VIP toilets to over 40 households upon completion in February.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Moleko introduced the construction company responsible for the project and emphasized that the initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that every household and business has access to water by 2030.
He noted that Ha-Danyele is a scenic area with tourism potential but faces challenges such as poor roads and lack of electricity.
He added that the government is conducting a study to explore renewable energy electricity connections for rural villages like Ha-Danyele, which would provide lighting, phone charging, and other basic needs. Once the study is complete, electricity services will be extended to the village.
Mr. Moleko further highlighted that the government is working to diversify mining beyond diamonds, citing the example of a coal mine in Mohale’s Hoek. He encouraged the local community to identify minerals that could be mined to boost economic development and job creation, pledging collaboration with the Member of Parliament (MP) to guide them through proper channels.
Mount Moorosi MP Mr. Thuso Mosetlelo expressed gratitude for the project but raised concern over residents migrating due to lack of services.
He urged the community to safeguard the project for sustainability and cautioned herd boys against damaging the water source.
Ha-Danyele Community Councilor Mr. Tebang Khalla also welcomed the government’s response to residents’ longtime plight for lack of clean water and sanitation.
He pledged to work closely with the area water committee and residents from three villages namely Moreneng, Lits’oeneng and Mothamahane within the project area to ensure its protectection.
In an interview on behalf of JOLITH Holdings (Pty) Ltd, the construction company engaged in the project, Mr. Thabiso Sebata said that more than 100 unskilled laborers will be temporarily employed during implementation.
He called on beneficiaries of the VIP toilets to ensure contribution of locally available resources such as digging toilets pits and collection of stones as planned for timely project completion.
Ha Danyele Village health worker, Mrs. ‘Mateboho Moeletsi said the project will help address recurring outbreaks of communicable diseases such as typhoid, which residents previously contracted from unsafe water for domestic use and were treated for at Maqokho Health Clinic in the area.
Ha-Danyele is under the Telle Community Council.
Ends/NS/tl
