Government says it is supporting municipalities in dealing with the water shortages. It believes this proves its commitment to end the scourge of water shortage.
The short- to medium-term interventions include the deployment of technical teams, consisting of engineers, technicians and other artisans to assess systems in the problem areas and restore the water supply. Government has announced a capital injection of more than R500 million to deal with issues of infrastructure refurbishment, operation and maintenance to ensure that such interruptions in the water supply do not recur. This comes after the widely publicised water supply interruptions in the country. Reports of water shortages have come in from across the country and four people died in during protests over water shortages in Mothutlung after three pumps failed. Water Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has since been accused of being aware of a potential water crisis in Mothutlung for years and has admitted responsibility for the collapse of the water supply, saying that the delivery of water services was ultimately a local government responsibility. Acting Government Communication Information System CEO Phumla Williams says, “The facts must be separated from alleged statements, so that we have a well-informed citizenry. Yes, there are challenges, some of which are historical and others pure negligence. However, government has put in place the Municipal Systems Amendment Act which aims to fix non-functioning municipalities and eradicate corrupt and errant managers in local government.” Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance has requested that Public Protector Thuli Madonsela launch a nation-wide investigatory audit into the state of water infrastructure and access in South Africa.
Dealing with water shortages
Government says new pumps have been installed and full system functionality has been restored in areas like Madibeng in Brits. A leak detection exercise is also being conducted in partnership with Eskomto check if there are leaks which can be fixed to maximize the yield of water. Williams says it is imperative to bear in mind that there are various causes of water related issues, some of which can only be remedied over the long-term. Other programs to address the issue include the Accelerated Infrastructure Program, the Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant and the National Water Resource Strategy. Government has called on communities to use water sparingly, as South Africa is a water scarce country, as well as to curb water pollution and start the fight against human negligence.
