The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has identified over 3 475 schools across the country to be supplied with water tanks ahead of the reopening of schools.

Speaking on Wednesday at a briefing, Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said the Water Command Centre has two projects to help support the reopening of schools.

Schools have had to close due to COVID 19 pandemic and subsequent national lockdown.

“The first project is what we have been executing over the past few weeks. This entails providing support to all community areas that do not have water. This includes hostels, taxi ranks, informal settlements, and rural areas,” said Sisulu.

The COVID-19 intervention has been rolling out in different communities over the last few weeks. The rollout of tanks and tankers has seen a number of communities benefiting with still a lot more to be done.

“The next phase of the intervention will include assistance to schools that are currently lacking in water and sanitation services.”

In that regard DWS will work with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) around a total of 3 475 schools. The schools have been identified by the DBE and are spread across the country.

“We have signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the DBE that will see us actively working together to ensure these services reach our community of learners who are also most vulnerable and we’ll reach all the identified schools before they open.”