THE Limpopo provincial government has signed an agreement with the Water Research Commission to address the water crisis in Giyani.
The agreement signed on Monday, 24 July, is part of the newly launched Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme (GLSCRP) to improve climate resilience and water usage in the Giyani area.
The provincial government spokesman, Ndavhe Ramakuela, said the programme focuses on “scaling and optimising” multiple-use water systems, services, and alternate energy options.
“The GLSCRP is a three-year community-led programme scaling Multiple Water Use Systems (MUS) and solar energy to develop, research and demonstrate practical and sustainable water and climate adaptation solutions in Giyani to improve water sources, utilisation, community resilience and local economic development,” he said.
The project is currently implemented in five agricultural sites - Daniel Ravalela Farm, Dzumeri Farm, Loloka Farm, Dzumeri Farm 2 and Muyexe Community Project.
It is also being implemented on four community sites of Mbhedle, Mayephu, Mzilela and Matsotsosela, with a population of about 5 000 residents.
Walter Segooa, deputy director general for stakeholder management coordination, signed the memorandum on behalf of the government.
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He said that the alignment of this strategic partnership with the key priorities and aspirations of the Limpopo Development Plan (LDP) aims to ensure integrated and sustainable socio-economic and infrastructure development while improving the quality of life for Limpopo citizens.
“The Government of Flanders has given R40 million over three years to support this initiative, with the funding set to conclude in 2024.
"Afterwards, the project will be expected to sustain itself,” said Ramakuela.
Government of Flanders representative Nikolas Bosscher said: "The challenges faced by South Africa, particularly in Limpopo, are the semi-arid climate and water delivery or availability issues. In Giyani, these challenges are even more pronounced, especially in meeting the MDG 2026 targets."
Dr Jennifer Molwantwa, CEO of the Water Research Commission, emphasised the importance of harnessing skills and knowledge to empower communities to manage their environment.
"This project has laid the foundation for us to learn and do more with less. The lessons learnt from this programme will serve as valuable information and knowledge for future endeavours. Indigenous knowledge, combined with scientific innovation, has been instrumental in helping communities adapt and progress," she said.
