The Department of Water and Sanitation has committed to ensuring open and continuous communication with communities around the Vaal River and Dam.

The department recently held successful discussions with Save the Vaal, a non-profit organisation that advocates for the environmental dignity of the Vaal River.

“The meeting discussed various concerns affecting the Vaal River and Dam, especially relating to upgrades to the infrastructure of the Vaal, the influence of old and/or malfunctioning infrastructure, as well as the perceived or actual lack of information sharing,” the department said.

The meeting proved fruitful and the deliberations over the current state of the Vaal drew the parties closer together, as common ground was found on the differing roles of government and that of advocacy and lobby groups like Save the Vaal.

Both parties agreed to have an open door policy that will ensure improved communication and cooperation.

SAVE the Vaal also committed to ensuring continuous alerts to the department on illegal and wasteful activities that can impact the environmental integrity of the Vaal River in a negative way.