UMK brings life-giving water to rural communities

The General Manager of United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK), Joe Mosupyoe, was pleased to oversee and witness the recent completion of a vital water supply outreach into the Lebonkeng and Ga-Madubu communities of the Northern Cape.

“Where there is life, there has to be an ongoing and accessible supply of fresh water,” said Mosupyoe, “We know, however, that this isn’t always the case in rural communities, where residents often have to walk great distances in order to access this life-sustaining utility. This project, which involves a 15km-long network of internal reticulation, has therefore been one which is very close to my heart.”

The initiative’s main contractor Tsaathebe Construction and Consulting Engineering firm, BVI, were able to timeously deliver the intricate job to meet UMK’s strict specifications. Notable features of this ambitious undertaking included about 70 communal standpipes, five fully equipped boreholes, five pumphouses with dual systems, and a 100 kilolitre elevated water tank in Ga-Madubu

Water is the most basic requirement for sustenance

The gigantic rural water supply project is the result of a long and ongoing programme of engagement between UMK’s SLP outreach division; Governmental Planning, Development and Tourism personnel; and local councillors working under the aegis of the Mayor of the Joe Morolong local municipality. “Local Community Liaison Officers and traditional leaders were also integrated into our plans, in order to ensure the timely achievement of this unified and beneficial goal,” Mosupyoe added.

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“Water is that most basic requirement for ongoing sustenance, and with this mammoth undertaking we have met our stated goal of improving the living conditions of the residents of Lebonkeng and Ga-Madubu. UMK has, since its inception, proudly stated its intentions of leaving a positive and sustainable legacy in our communities,” Mosupyoe concluded, “and this is just another one of our initiatives which will see to it that we leave upliftment and development in our wake.”

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Category: Press