Sharing water resources with animals will hopefully soon be something of the past for residents of the Mutale Municipality. This was promised by the mayor of the Mutale Municipality, Cllr Lucas Manyuha, when he outlined the R92 million budget which, amongst others, makes provision for 13 water projects that are to be implemented in the 2009/10 financial year.

Manyuha said that water was the most precious commodity which every household, institutions and all living creatures needed for survival. He then named the water projects that were budgeted for and will be implemented in this financial year. They are:

Tshikuyu, Dovho, Duluthuluand Bennde Mutale; the rehabilitation of Makuya water scheme; Mavhode, Madatshitshi and Tshamulungwi water supply; Tshiungani water reticulation; Tshixwadza water reticulation; Khakhu water supply; Mutale RWS feasibility study; Mavhode to Mabila bulk water supply; Luphephe/Nwanedi RWS; Mphangane and Thondoni reticulation; Thangwa, BaimoroTshiungani reticulation and Tshiungani, Nwini, Maholoni and Bileni electrification of a borehole.

“Our operational budget is estimated at R65 million, with repairs and maintenance taking R7.5 million, general expenses R13.2 million, while the balance goes to employees’ costs,” he said.

The capital budget for the municipality amounts to R27 Million, which is aimed at addressing the strategic focus areas such as the Thengwe-Tshandama road (R500 000), the Dotha Bridge (R464 835), the Tshilamba High Mast (R350 000), vehicles (R750 000), a new grader (R2 700 000), with R3 370 809 being put aside for other projects.

The Mutale Municipality also plans to electrify six villages, namely Nwiini, Maholoni, Gundani, Mukondeni, Mabila and Helula, in partnership with Eskom at a projected cost of R9 000 000.

An amount of R100 000 has been set aside to conduct a feasibility study to provide a bulk sewerage plant at Masisi town as part of rural development.

Manyuha added that poverty and unemployment are very high within the municipality. “Therefore, the Makuya feedlot, Awelani community tourism, Mutale goat farming and Rammbuda sweet potato production projects will be implemented this financial year in order to create sustainable jobs for the local communities. This will be implemented with the assistance of the National Development Agency, Vhembe District Municipality and the European Union,” he said.

The Masisi Town Hall was also said to be completed this financial year. In partnership with the Department of Roads and Transport “we are constructing a bus and taxi rank, as well as the animal-drawn vehicle parking lot at Masisi,” said Manyuha.