Question NW2627 to the Minister of Water and Sanitation
20 September 2023 - NW2627
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department has conducted an investigation into the failures of the Emfuleni Local Municipality to address the infrastructure defects and collection issues in the municipality, which have hindered the ability of the municipality to settle its debt with Rand Water; if not, why not; if so, what actions has his department taken?
Reply:
Yes, The Minister of Water and Sanitation invoked Section 63 of the Water Services Act (108 of 1997) in July 2021 and subsequently appointed Rand Water as the Implementing Agent (IA) to conduct the assessment and implement the necessary intervention to gradually address challenges. The Water and Sanitation Masterplan was compiled with the implementation protocol to guide with infrastructure management, refurbishment, upgrades, operation and maintenance. The implementation protocol involves Rand Water, Emfuleni Local Municipality, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Rand Water is currently assisting Emfuleni Local Municipality to improve revenue collection and debt management as part of the Section 63 intervention. Rand Water is assisting the Municipality with water conservation and demand management (WCWDM) and with capacitation of the water and sanitation department of the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
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