Question NW1832 to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
27 November 2020 - NW1832
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Whether her department will intervene and/or assist the community of Marikana, Ward 26 in Madibeng, North West, to ensure that they have access to an adequate water supply; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Honourable Member, the legislative mandate of the Department of Water and Sanitation is to ensure that the country’s water resources are protected, managed, used, developed, conserved and controlled in a sustainable manner for the benefit of all people and the environment.
The Water Services Act, 1997 refers to municipalities as Water Service Authorities (WSAs) responsible for distribution (reticulation) of water and to supply sanitation services. The Water Services Act in section 3 outlines the right of access to basic water supply and sanitation which mandates that “everyone has a right of access to basic water supply and basic sanitation” and places the responsibility on Water Services Authorities to ensure that they develop a Water Services Development Plan (WSDP) to ensure the realisation of this right.
Section 11 of the Water Services Act, 1997 mandates that “every Water Services Authority has the duty to all consumers or potential consumers in its area of jurisdiction to progressively ensure efficient, affordable, economical and sustainable access to water services.”
Therefore, any assistance required by our communities is rendered by municipalities. Should a municipality have difficulties, it approaches the Water Board that services the area. In this case, Magalies Water would assist the municipality.
Notwithstanding the above, I have been informed that the Madibeng Local Municipality has procured and installed three (3) 10 000 litre water tanks to ensure access to clean water, and that these are filled with water on a regular basis.