Question NW2583 to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
17 December 2020 - NW2583
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
On what date will the (a) eight new boreholes in Redirele, Derby, in the North West be electrified and provide water to the community and (b) pumps at the existing two boreholes be replaced and/or repaired?
Reply:
Honourable Member, the provision of water to communities is the responsibility of Water Services Authorities (municipalities). The electrification of the boreholes in Redirele Village, including the maintenance of boreholes is the responsibility of Kgetleng Rivier Local Municipality (KRLM).
I wish to point out that 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 sustainably 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.”