Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
08 September 2023 | 15:30 SAST
3-min read

 Picture: iStock

Authorities are taking decisive steps to address the pervasive issue of water shortages that have plagued various regions, particularly in Rustenburg in the North West and Warrenton in the Northern Cape. The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has mandated the departments of Water and Sanitation and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to respond swiftly and devise effective solutions within a 14-day timeframe.

This initiative was prompted by the reception of two petitions concerning water shortages in Rustenburg and Warrenton on September 5, 2023. Recognising the need for a comprehensive approach to this nationwide problem, the committee has emphasised the significance of these petitions as tools for ensuring governmental oversight. The committee’s mission is to elicit responses from all government entities constitutionally responsible for delivering high-quality water services to South Africa’s citizens.

Robert Mashego, the committee’s chairperson, stated, “We will thus forward these petitions to the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to obtain answers for the affected residents.”

Furthermore, the committee has identified a significant gap within South Africa’s water value chain, where some stakeholders, notably municipalities, have fallen short of fulfilling their mandates. To address this, the committee has integrated the Department of Cooperative Governance into the efforts to resolve water shortages. The aim is to establish joint accountability, ensuring that all stakeholders contribute in accordance with their mandates to overcome this pressing challenge.

In addition, the committee has stressed the importance of leveraging the District Development Model, designed to integrate planning and service delivery across all government levels. This approach fosters collaboration in the delivery of high-quality services, including addressing water shortages.

To address the petitions directly, the committee has outlined specific criteria for the responses to be submitted. These responses must include a breakdown of how grants, such as the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, have been utilised in the affected areas to tackle inadequate infrastructure, maintain existing facilities, and ensure the availability of bulk services. This information will be instrumental in identifying the root causes of the problems and formulating lasting solutions.

The committee firmly believes that access to water is a critical enabler for overcoming numerous socio-economic challenges. Mashego emphasised, “The lack of water negatively impacts citizens’ ability to realize their full potential. Quality water is also essential for unlocking economic activities in many areas burdened by poverty and unemployment.”

Meanwhile, in another part of South Africa, the City of Tshwane and Rand Water have jointly committed to addressing water shortages within the municipality. In response to high demand, Rand Water will increase water supply, and both entities have called upon residents to use water responsibly during peak demand periods.

A joint statement by the City of Tshwane and Rand Water attributes the need for increased water supply to elevated temperatures, placing pressure on both water supply systems. Following a meeting with Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu, convened after the Tshwane municipality accused Rand Water of inadequate water supply at reservoirs due to low air pressure, the parties resolved to implement measures to augment water supply.

These measures include controlling outlet flows from essential holding reservoirs and redistributing water from healthier systems to areas where excessive consumption had strained the system and depleted reservoirs. Affected reservoirs include Klipfontein, Brakfontein, Hartebeeshoek, and Bronberg.

To ensure a stable water supply throughout the peak spring and summer seasons, technical teams from the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water, and the City of Tshwane will conduct daily assessments of the water supply situation. Residents are strongly urged to adopt water-saving practices, including fixing leaking plumbing fixtures, reporting water pipe leaks to the City of Tshwane, and following these water-saving tips:

• Avoid leaving taps dripping.
• Wash your car on the grass with grey water, which simultaneously waters your lawn.
• Reduce showering time.
• Use a glass of water for rinsing when brushing your teeth.
• Reuse greywater to irrigate your garden or potted plants.

Source:
News24
ESI Africa