Photo: Supplied
On 18 November, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe officially launched a spring water project in Lower Tsitsana Village in Nqanqarhu (formerly Maclear) under the Ilima/Letsema Lokulima Programme, which aims to promote sustainable agriculture and improve livelihoods in rural communities.
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Kontsiwe explained that the water project provides clean water for domestic use and irrigation through 26 new water points serving 205 households.
Production inputs were also provided to 120 beneficiaries to boost local vegetable production, food security, and the aggregation of produce for potential markets.
Ntombizanele Sonkwenye, who farms in Sigoga in Lower Tsitsana Village, described the relief the project has brought: “The areas where we previously fetched water were overgrown and dangerous, making irrigation a tiring and difficult task. But the government has now provided us with clean water straight from the mountain. Today, we can irrigate our vegetables and drink safe, healthy water. We are truly overjoyed and grateful for this support.”
In a statement on SAnews.gov.za, Simthembile Folotyi, a farmer from Upper Tsitsana Village, shared her appreciation for the material support provided, saying the seedlings, fertilisers, and tools they received will help them combat poverty and support their development as farmers. She noted that the assistance will enable them to grow a variety of vegetables to address hunger and poverty.
Kontsiwe added: “[The Ilima/Letsema Lokulima Programme] aims to bring people together to work their gardens, produce food, and fight poverty. We want them to consume their produce and sell the surplus to markets.
“The new spring water infrastructure ensures that people will no longer face the challenge of fetching irrigation water from distant locations, which is critical in areas where rainfall is scarce. The happiness of the community here is deeply encouraging.”
During the handover, Kontsiwe also delivered 32 industrial sewing machines, including overlockers and straight machines, to 16 women-led enterprises from three local municipalities in the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.
“The goal is to enhance the quality of garments produced by the local women. Our long-term vision is to see these locally made clothes being stocked and sold in reputable clothing stores,” she added.
