Question NW2691 to the Minister of Water and Sanitation
21 October 2022 - NW2691
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether he has been advised that 5 000 standpipes and water meters were installed in 2018 in 40 villages in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, but that the treated water does not reach the reservoir as farmers and residents, including those persons who recently obtained land from chiefs, unlawfully tap into the bulk water pipe of 62 km; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details. (2) whether he has been advised that half of the potable water is regarded as captured and that the municipality says that they cannot stop this damage to state infrastructure and theft of water that is treated at a high cost; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details. (3) On what date (a) is it anticipated that water would reach the standpipes and asbestos bulk pipe that was replaced, as it now has over 5 000 illegal connections and (b) will he ensure that criminal charges are laid?
Reply:
(1-2) The Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (LM) has advised the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) that there are villages that do not have reliable access to water due to leakages caused by illegal connections, which results in the the supply system not being able to cater for all villages. The municipality has implemented a rationing programme to ensure that all residents have access to water. The Bushbuckridge Local Municipality is implementing a project to replace the asbestos pipeline which is due for completion during the 2024/25 financial year.
(3)(a) It is anticipated that the project to replace the asbestos pipeline will be completed during the 2024/25 financial year. The municipality is currently implementing a project to install an additional clear water pump at the Hoxane WTW which will increase the volumes pumped by the plant from 22 Ml/day to 31 Ml/day to the Ndonga reservoir that supplies all the villages being enquired about.
(b) The municipality has a duty to ensure that the farmers and residents are connected legally and to take legal actions against individuals that are vandalising infrastructure.
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