Honourable Chairperson,
Honourable Minister,
Honourable Deputy Minister,
Honourbale Members.
Everyone has the right to have access to water. The fundamentals of sustainable water have been washed away by mismanagement, corruption, inefficiency and the blame game led by an ineffective former Minister Nomvula Mokonyane. The responsibility of bulk water supply is inarguably the
responsibility of National Government, which has failed on its core mandate, namely to supply bulk water to many municipalities across the country.
The City of Cape Town is still in a dire position due to the worst drought the city has seen in over 100 years. Its water supply neared depletion and was fast approaching Day Zero the day on which the taps would be turned off.
When the call was made to reduce consumption and save water in light of Day Zero, the City’s residents responded magnificently and got stuck in; businesses, farmers and many others took action and proactively saved water. This shows that we are better together. All thanks to the leadership of
the Western Cape Provincial Government and City officials.
Thus far the Nelson Mandela municipality, under the guidance of DA’s Athol Trollip, has removed more than 4 000 bucket toilets. This has happened mostly through the relocation of residents to their homes or the sites of their future homes where full flush toilets have been provided.
In contrast, the previous Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane should be put to digging trenches for water pipes, not spin doctoring government messages that would equate to sweat equity for the billions misspent during her tenure at the department. Her tenure seems to have mostly benefited consultants who acted as supposed implementing agents. This greed-focused mindset has left communities across South Africa high and dry with the country still lacking a proper water plan in the face of future increased water scarcity and drought.
Many people across the country still have no access to clean running water. The situation is dire with the Department and municipalities owing the water boards millions of rands. As the Democratic Alliance we recommend the establishment of a Water Tariff Regulator. The water boards should return to their core mandate to provide actual water services. Bucket eradication should be moved to the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (GOGTA) as it is not bulk infrastructure.
‘Amanzi sisisulu; nesisulu siyabhatalelwa’. Masithi gqolo ngokuwonga amanzi.