The Water Task Force is actively overseeing the implementation of measures that will enable municipalities to act promptly on Rand Water’s recommendations to prevent water depletion in Gauteng.

This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile who on Thursday briefed MPs (MPs) in the National Assembly on various issues.

“I have had discussions with the Minister of Water and Sanitation regarding water challenges in the country, particularly in Gauteng,” he told Parliament.

President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Water Task Force under the leadership of the Deputy President to address water challenges in different areas of the country.

The Deputy Speaker was responding to a question from a Democratic Alliance MP who asked about the actions the water task force has taken to ensure municipalities can promptly implement the Rand Water recommendations.

This is particularly urgent as Rand Water has warned that Gauteng’s water storage will soon run out if municipalities do not act on their recommendations.

STOP | The Vice-President answers the question of the National Assembly

Rand Water is an African bulk water utility and provides bulk drinking water to more than 11 million people in Gauteng, parts of Mpumalanga, the Free State and the North West Provinces.

READ | Mashatile meets Rand Water management to address water challenges

According to the country’s second-in-command, the minister of water and sanitation has also called urgent meetings with the Gauteng provincial government. Critical measures are currently being implemented to ensure that the province does not reach a stage where adequate water supply becomes a crisis.

He stressed the importance of municipalities implementing recommendations to prevent water depletion.

The Deputy President also explained that the causes of water outages in Gauteng have been identified as high levels of leaks in municipal water distribution systems and high average levels of consumption by residents.

Measures taken

Key measures include tackling high leakage rates and illegal connections, enforcing water restrictions and improving communication and awareness.

In addressing these challenges, he said the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water and Gauteng Metropolitan Municipalities have established a technical team to monitor municipal water storage and consumption.

“The Department of Water and Sanitation is also engaging with municipalities to encourage them to address leaks in their water distribution systems and tackle illegal connections.”

As an advance on the current Tier 1 water restrictions implemented by municipalities, he said the department is working with Gauteng to encourage municipalities to set and enforce Tier 2 and Tier 3 water use restrictions.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, level 1 restrictions prohibit irrigating gardens with sprinklers and hoses between 6am and 6pm; filling swimming pools; and hosing down pavement areas and driveways.

READ | Citizens urged to change behavior towards water use

In addition, the department facilitated the establishment of the platform for a water-secure Gauteng in collaboration with Rand Water, municipalities as well as business leaders and civil society in the province.

“This platform aims to improve communication on water supply challenges and raise awareness of the need to use water sparingly,” he explained.

He added that the platform is currently raising funds that will be used for a major communication and public awareness campaign in the province on the need to save water.

In addition, a publicly accessible shared information repository and dashboard was created on the department’s website to communicate strategic and timely information on water supply issues in the province.

“Given that water challenges are not only facing Gauteng province, the government together with partners are also implementing several interventions to address water challenges across the country.”

Conversion of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, in consultation with the National Treasury, has begun the process of converting the Municipal Infrastructure Grant from a Schedule 5b (direct grant) to a Schedule 6b (indirect grant).

This amendment aims to address the challenges faced by Water Services Authorities (WSAs) receiving the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, particularly in relation to the repair and maintenance of their wastewater treatment works and related infrastructure.

“Conversion has already started in two municipalities, namely uThukela District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal and Emfuleni Municipality in Gauteng.

“We appeal to all citizens to adhere to water usage guidelines and use this limited resource sparingly so that we conserve water, not only for us but for future generations. Water is life!” – SAnews.gov.za