Cape town: Deputy President Paul Mashatile has outlined a comprehensive strategy to address the escalating water crisis affecting South African municipalities, emphasizing a coordinated approach to improve water and sanitation services across the nation.
According to South African Government News Agency, Deputy President Mashatile, speaking in the National Council of Provinces, referenced a report from the Department of Water and Sanitation, which highlights a concerning decline in municipal water delivery capacity. The report indicates that national reliability has fallen to 68%, and the quality of water in 60% of supply systems is worsening.
Mashatile attributed the crisis to various factors, including inadequate governance, insufficient technical capacity, poor infrastructure investments, and financial mismanagement. He stressed the government's commitment to resolving these systemic issues to ensure consistent water and sanitation services for local communities.
The Deputy President highlighted the government's efforts through the Water Task Team, which focuses on improving infrastructure, reforming institutions, and expediting project management. The South Africa National Water and Sanitation Indaba, held earlier this year, suggested interventions such as increased investments and ensuring the sector's financial viability.
Furthermore, the Department of Water and Sanitation has launched a Water Partnership Office at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. This office aims to assist municipalities in preparing projects for private sector investment. An example is the Olifants River Management Model Programme, designed to meet bulk water needs in Limpopo and support economic development.
Mashatile explained that this programme operates on a 50/50 public-private partnership model, with mining companies and the government sharing project costs. He added that the DWS, Water Boards, and water service authorities are collaborating with the Infrastructure Fund to implement more blended finance water projects.
The Deputy President also addressed projects in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as the Vaal Gamagara Water Supply Scheme, Lesotho Highlands, and uMkhomazi Water Projects. He acknowledged the challenge of water tanker corruption and infrastructure vandalism, noting that National Treasury has cautioned against long-term reliance on water tankers.
Mashatile emphasized the importance of community involvement in protecting infrastructure and encouraged reporting suspicious activities to combat corruption in the water sector. He reiterated the government's dedication to improving water supply, particularly in township and rural communities.
In addition to water issues, Mashatile discussed the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign. He expressed South Africa's determination to combat gender-based violence and femicide, urging collective action to raise awareness, improve coordination, and mobilize resources to address this societal issue.
The Deputy President's remarks came in response to questions from NCOP delegates regarding his responsibilities, underscoring the government's focus on both water infrastructure and societal challenges.