“The creation of sustainable livelihoods cannot take place without such essential basic services being provided to our communities. We are registering remarkable progress in increasing the number of households with access to clean running water and electricity. We know that and understand the essential role that is played by water in our daily lives,” said Premier Cassel Mathale, delivering the State of the Province Address in the provincial legislature on Thursday.

The premier said the provincial government had delivered basic water services to 298 794 households in the past year, with the provision of electricity being extended to more than 83 percent of the households.