The lack of free-running potable water in the Elim, Vleifontein and Mailaskop areas may soon be less of a problem. That is, if the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) can progress with the Elim Vleifontein Scheme project.
Limpopo Mirror noticed a drilling machine sinking a borehole at Mailaskop village some three months ago, and at least 15 water tanks of 10 000 litres each were put up on steel stands. Upon inquiry, the spokesperson for the VDM, Mr Matodzi Ralushai, said that the project at Mailaskop was only part of a bigger water project, called the Elim Vleifontein Scheme, which aimed to create 100% access to water for all households.
"Mailaskop falls within the Elim Vleifontein Scheme," Ralushai said. "The area is dependent on groundwater. The recent increase in population requires additional boreholes, supply lines and storages to be build. Also, street taps to be installed."
He stated that the project was progressing well and was now more than 50% complete. "The project will be completed by the end of September 2021," he said. "Once the borehole is electrified, water will be supplied."
A look into the 2020/2021 integrated development plan of the VDM revealed that R3,6 million was budgeted to complete the Mailaskop single-borehole project. This project will ensure that the new borehole and water tanks augment the existing pipeline. However, Ralushai could not say exactly how much of the original R3,6 million had been utilised thus far.
Nevertheless, the community at Mailaskop seems pleased to know that a borehole exists that will add to the existing one. According to Vhamusanda Vho-Khishimusi Joseph Nthabalala, at least three boreholes have been sunk in the village, but only one has been functional.
"At the moment, water only comes on from Wednesday to Sunday, and on some of those days water hardly reaches households in the upper parts of the village," he said. "It is good news to us that a new borehole and 15 water tanks will add to the existing water arrangements in our village. This means that all households will now have direct access to water."
Meanwhile, Ralushai was not clear on which other parts of Elim and Vleifontein will benefit from the Elim Vleifontein Scheme, and exactly when that will happen.