Part of a R3-billion project to supply water to rural communities has been halted as a result of infighting and claims of nepotism among villagers.

A dispute among residents of Dresden and GaManoke near Burgersfort in Limpopo has brought a project to connect a bulk water supply pipeline running through the two villages to a halt.

De Hoop Dam is part of the Olifants River water project, announced in 2003.

The R3-billion dam is the 13th largest in the country

It will provide water to industries and water-strained communities in the Sekhukhune, Waterberg and Capricorn districts.

Deputy chairman of the community's Project Steering Committee (PSC) Sylvester Shai said the problem was caused by a group allegedly hiring friends and relatives under the banner of the SA National Civics Organisation (Sanco).

Shai said normally the contractor would request a number of labourers from the PSC and it would facilitate recruitment together with the community.

"The community has decided that we do not want those who were hired improperly. All people in the project must be hired in a proper way," he said.

Sekhukhune district's mayor, David Magabe, said they would convene a meeting to resolve issues.

Sanco's Morewane Sekhukhune said people were using the organisation's name to secure jobs for their friends and family.

"It is true there was a group claiming that certain people should get preferential treatment because they are members of Sanco," Sekhukhune said.

mahopoz@sowetan.co.za