a) The provision of bulk water services is the mandate of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The project for bulk water supply at the time, was initiated by the District Municipality, Department of Water Affairs and their associated water management entities with whom the competence for water management, supply and distribution resides. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) however, has a protocol in place with DWS on water for the sector related subject. DALRRD will therefore utilise this existing collaboration mechanism to refer this matter to DWS to look at the bulk water challenges for these producers.
Although water remains a scarce resource in the country and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District in particular, it should further be noted that the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has always ensured that where possible, South African Development Trust farms are not severely affected, through the following interventions:
b) There has never been reports of production losses in the area (cattle production area) hence a high number of emerging farmers in this district. However, DALRRD will engage DWS, who is mandated for bulk water provision, to determine what can be done to resolve this matter.