Latest news with #PortfolioCommitteeonWaterandSanitation
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa struggles to meet water and sanitation goals as municipalities fail to maintain infrastructure
South Africa's water and sanitation struggles threaten achievement of sustainable development goals Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation expressed grave concerns regarding South Africa's progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 by the year 2030. The committee's apprehension primarily stems from the evident weaknesses of water services authorities, coupled with the alarming inability of municipalities to maintain and operate essential water infrastructure. 'The diagnosis has always been clear; what is needed is a focused programme of action to change course and improve the quality of water for South Africans. While the National Water and Sanitation Indaba 2025 has made commendable resolutions, the inability of municipalities to correct course will render the recommendations futile,' said Chairperson of the committee, Leon Basson. SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. However, the committee highlighted a disturbing trend: the ongoing pollution of river streams, a direct consequence of municipalities failing to adequately operate and maintain their water and sanitation infrastructure. Such neglect not only endangers public health but also inflates the costs associated with water purification efforts. Another pressing concern raised by the committee pertains to the downstream effects of this infrastructural mismanagement. As rivers become increasingly contaminated, the financial burden of cleaning water rises, posing significant challenges to local governments already struggling under financial strain. While the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) holds the reins regarding policy directives for water management, the committee acknowledges the crucial roles played by sister departments, notably the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). Basson urged an immediate and coordinated response. 'It is important that the resolution taken by the water and sanitation indaba for the DWS and COGTA to engage with National Treasury to review water and sanitation conditional grants with a view to addressing the challenge of maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure is urgent and must be implemented without delay," he said. The committee also underscored the potential for innovative solutions, advocating for water services authorities and providers to build partnerships with the private sector. Drawing on the support of the Water Partnerships Office could prove beneficial, especially given that current fiscal constraints hinder the government's ability to adequately address infrastructure needs within the water sector. Moreover, the committee emphasised the necessity of top slicing the equitable share allocated to municipalities to manage the debt owed to water boards effectively. In doing so, they aim to ensure a functional cash flow throughout the water value chain, which is essential for addressing ongoing challenges.
eNCA
12-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Are you drowning in escalating municipal bills?
JOHANNESBURG - Municipal billing has been a headache for decades. Residents in many parts of the country often complain about incorrect bills, either charged for things they didn't use or receiving inflated invoices bills they don't understand. This leads to frustration and lack of trust in the system, and some end up refusing to pay the bills either because they cannot afford them or they feel they are paying for services they do not get. Because of this, municipalities find themselves trapped in debt because of their poor revenue collection models, leaving them unable to provide basic services. One example is water. In November 2024, the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation revealed that Vaal Central and Magalies Water face bankruptcy due to R23.7 billion in municipal debt. Then there is the long running saga of power cuts. In February 2025, SCOPA announced that municipalities owe Eskom R94 billion. This is a vicious cycle that hurts both residents and municipalities. With more people complaining about their ballooning municipal bills, eNCA asked its viewers if they were drowning in escalating municipal bills. This opened a floodgate of reactions with many voicing their frustrations. One user on X Gabonewe Setshedi says rising municipal bills are unbearable, particularly for water and electricity services. "These combined prices have increased significantly in my area and many parts of Tshwane. It's a significant concern for me." Sharing the same sentiments is Ketlareng Sybil Matlhako who noted the challenge in the billing system. "It's not possible to get a bill of water at R12 000 each month. The municipal bills have an impact on the ability of citizens to balance the already rising cost of living." One user says they simply do not have money to pay for services they do not receive. Carl Taylor on Facebook says this continued payment for services not rendered must be illegal and against the constitution. Taylor's sentiments were also echoed by Shirley van Son, describes Tshwane as a slum with burst water pipes, raw sewage running down the roads, street lights that don't work, overgrown verges and pavements taken over by weeds. Now Centurion is dealing with sinkholes. "One gets references but nothing gets done to fix the problem. Paying for services we don't get," she said. On eNCA's SA Morning Soapbox, reporters took to the streets of Cape Town and Johannesburg to give residents a chance to weigh in on the topic. Many say the increasing cost of electricity, water, and property as well as rates and taxes, have added to their burden, forcing them into creative ways of budgeting to make ends meet.
eNCA
05-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation addresses issues
JOHANNESBURG - Social Services Cluster chairpersons briefed the media on Monday. READ: National Water Week | Millions don't have access to clean, piped water The committee touched on several issues including water shortages in Gauteng, the Water and Sanitation Indaba and others. Among them was the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, Leonard Basson. He discussed the issues facing the Department with eNCA.
