Question NW2954 to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
16 December 2020 - NW2954
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether, with reference to her department's National Norms and Standards for Domestic Water and Sanitation Services: Version 3, published in Gazette Notice 982 in the Government Gazette 41100 of 8 September 2017 (details furnished), the status of the specified norms and standards is currently legal; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she will furnish Mr L J Basson with a (a) roadmap and (b) timeline on the date the public participation process will commence in which comments on the norms and standards will be sought; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what is the envisaged date when her department intends to (a) finalise and (b) approve the norms and standards for implementation?
Reply:
(1) The status of the National Norms and Standards for Domestic Water and Sanitation Services: Version 3 published in Gazette Notice 982 in the Government Gazette 41100 of 8 September 2017 for public comments has not been finalized and therefore it is not legal as yet. There were numerous concerns raised by stakeholders and such concerns were found to be material through a legal opinion that was sought by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) after the consultation process was finalized.
While the DWS is reviewing the National Norms and Standards for Domestic Water and Sanitation Services, the regulations relating to compulsory National Standards for Water and Sanitation Supply GNR.509 of 08 June 2001, issued in terms of the Water Services Act, Act 108 of 1997 remain legally applicable. Therefore, there is no lacuna in law.
(2) A roadmap and timelines on the date of the public participation process will be furnished to the Honourable Member once the norms and standard have been finalised.
(3) It is envisaged that the review or amendment of the norms and standards will be finalized and approved in the next financial year (2021/22).