Questions and Replies
11 December 2023 - NW3537
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
With reference to the significant public health risks associated with the poor state of some of the wastewater treatment works, what specific measures has his department taken to prevent public health risks, such as the Bloemhof tragedy, from occurring in the future?
Reply:
MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION
Raw water is drawn from rivers and dams and treated in Water Treatment Works; the treated water is required by law to meet drinking water standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards in South African National Standard (SANS) 241. Municipalities and water boards are also required to conduct regular tests on the treated water to ensure that it complies with the standard and submit the tests results to Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS) where the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) monitors compliance to these standards.
The Bloemhof tragedy in the North West Province occurred due to contamination of drinking water. In terms of SANS241 and the norms and standards issued by DWS under the Water Services Act, when the tests carried out by a municipality indicate that the water supplied poses a health risk, the municipality must inform its consumers that the quality of the water that it supplies poses a health risk.
The Department has revived the Blue Drop and Green Drop Certification programmes to intensify monitoring of municipal service provision by ensuring that the entire value chain is assessed. The results of the Blue and Green Drops Watch Reports released by DWS earlier in July 2023 also indicate that further legislative reforms may be required to ensure that water service providers are professionally managed, capable, efficient and financially viable institutions. The DWS is in the process of consulting with water sector stakeholders regarding such reforms.
The DWS is supporting and intervening in many municipalities across the country to improve water and sanitation services. The Minister has agreed on improvement plans with Mayors, and the Department is assisting the municipalities with grant funding to address infrastructure deficits. The DWS, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the Water Boards also provide support to the municipalities with technical expertise and management support.
Additionally, the Department is in the process of strengthening its role as the regulator of water services. This includes developing more comprehensive and more stringent norms and standards for water services and standardising its regulatory processes and actions so that they are implemented more consistently. It is anticipated that these Standards will be published for comment at the end of November 2023.
The discharge of treated wastewater into a resource is only allowed in terms of an authorisation issued under the National Water Act, which provides site specific conditions and effluent quality limits. This has a rippling effect on public health, as it aims to prevent pollution of the water resource. The Department monitors compliance to the water use authorisation conditions, through site inspections and effluent quality results submitted on IRIS.
The DWS issues compliance notices and directives where Municipalities are non-compliant instructing them to correct the situation. Failure to comply to directives is a criminal offence in terms of the National Water Act and the Department, upon conducting criminal investigations, then submits to the National Prosecution Authority for a decision to prosecute.
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11 December 2023 - NW3699
Mashego, Mr GP to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether, noting that the Census 2022 has drawn attention to migration to the Republic’s economic hubs, particularly Gauteng and the Western Cape, which will result in the current water and sanitation systems in the two provinces being severely strained by an increase in population and lead to water shortages and the deterioration of sanitation facilities, his department has developed plans to make sure that the infrastructure for water and sanitation in both provinces is adequate to meet the demands of a growing population; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
The Department has developed a comprehensive integrated national water and sanitation master plan, which is intended to guide the water sector with investment planning for the development of water resources and the delivery of water and sanitation services over the horizon until 2030, and beyond. The plan identifies key actions in the water sector and allocates roles and responsibilities to all in the water sector, from the various tiers of government, the private sector, and other stakeholders for the implementation of the plan. It also includes a list of key programmes, projects, and actions to be implemented for the protection and development of the national water resources, and for the provision of adequate and reliable water and sanitation services for all citizens. It addresses the enabling requirements, such as the institutional and legal arrangements for implementation, operation and maintenance, funding requirements and models, and monitoring and evaluation models.
Demand for water in Gauteng has grown rapidly, largely due to population growth, and partly due to increasing leaks in municipal distribution systems. The planners in DWS anticipated this growth in demand and put in place plans to address it as far back as the 1980’s, through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), which transfers water from Lesotho into the IVRS. The R40 billion Phase 2 of the LHWP has been delayed by nine years. It is now under construction but is only due to be completed by 2028.
Rand Water’s total current supply capacity is 5 200 million litres of treated drinking water per day, and it is already exceeding its abstraction limit from the IVRS. It will only be possible for Rand Water to increase its abstraction of water from the IVRS after LHWP Phase 2 comes online.
Rand Water has a R35 billion capital programme which is timed to result in substantial additional treatment and storage capacity becoming available when LHWP Phase 2 comes online. This includes the recently completed R3.5 billion augmentation of the capacity of its Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant by 150 million litres per day. This additional capacity is now contributing to reducing the risk of shortages of water for Rand Water’s municipal customers but is also contributing to the over-extraction of water from the IVRS by Rand Water.
In this context, the demand-supply relationship for treated water in Gauteng is very tight and the system is vulnerable to disruptions caused by heavy load shedding, electro-mechanical breakdowns or theft of cables. Usually, such breakdowns would not have a noticeable effect on water supply due to the ability to draw on reserve supply capacity, but now there is no reserve supply capacity. Because the water is usually gravity-fed from municipal reservoirs to households, high-lying areas are worst affected by disruptions in supply.
To reduce the risk of water supply disruptions in future, the municipalities need to improve their billing and revenue collection and allocate increased funding to maintenance and to reducing leaks. There are also investments that they can make in pumps and reservoirs which can improve their ability to withstand the kind of disruptions described above (the City of Joburg is currently implementing several such investments).
The Minister of Water and Sanitation is coordinating regular meetings with Rand Water and the Mayors of the Gauteng municipalities. In addition, officials from Rand Water and the Gauteng municipalities are having daily meetings to ensure improved coordination of responses to disruptions in supply.
Even after LHWP Phase 2 comes on stream, Gauteng’s long-term water consumption will need to be carefully managed, because there are limits to which further phases of LHWP or other water transfer projects can continue to provide additional water to Gauteng at an affordable cost. The reality is that South Africa is a water-scarce country with limited sustainable water resources and amongst the top 30 driest countries globally.
DWS will be working with Rand Water and the municipalities in Gauteng to implement a more effective communications strategy regarding the need for people to use water more sparingly. Average per capita water consumption in Gauteng is 253 litres per day compared to the world average of 173 litres per capita per day. If water supply disruptions are to be avoided in Gauteng in future, a culture of careful water use needs to be promoted and awareness raised of the fact that, if some people do not use water sparingly, other people will get none.
Over half a million people have migrated into the Western Cape in the last fiscal year to date with vandalism of infrastructure exacerbating the issue. This has put a strain on water and sanitation infrastructure in the province. A total of R3,146 billion has been allocated by the Department for the next three fiscal years to fund infrastructure projects in the province through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Water Services Infrastructure Grants (WSIG).
DWS is implementing several water resource infrastructure projects in the Western Cape, to ensure security of supply of water. For example, the R4 billion project to raise the wall of Clanwilliam Dam is currently underway. The project will enable improved assurance of water supply for agriculture and provide for water allocations to resource-poor farmers on the West Coast.
The TCTA is in the process of raising finance for the Berg River Voelvlei Augmentation Scheme. The project will increase the yield of the Voelvlei Dam and improve regional water security and create a more reliable supply to domestic, agricultural and industrial water users.
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11 December 2023 - NW3550
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department has approached the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) to request assistance with the monitoring and evaluation of water and sanitation across the water value chain of the Republic since the DPME has expertise in monitoring and evaluation processes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department has not approached the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) to request assistance with the monitoring and evaluation of water and sanitation across the water value chain.
Although the DPME has monitoring and evaluation expertise, it does not have technical and human capacity to monitor and evaluate the water and sanitation value chain. To monitor and evaluate the water and sanitation value chain, a suite of technical (e.g. scientific and engineering) and human resources are required. Also, the water and sanitation value chain does not only cover the functions of the national department but also those of municipalities (i.e. 144 water service authorities) and entities across the sector.
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29 November 2023 - NW3210
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether, with reference to the two wash plants dams in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (details furnished) that are not operational, leading to the polluted water of the wash plants to regularly flow into the freshwater stream and then into the Klein Olifants River, the Groot Olifants River and finally into the Loskop dam (details furnished), she intends to investigate the reasons that the (a) polluted coal water of the two specified wash plants is flowing twice a day at 10:00 and 16:00 into the fresh water of the Spookspruit which flows into the Klein Olifants River, the Groot Olifants River and ends up in Loskopdam and (b) wash plants use a truck 13 times a day to fetch 18 000 litres of water per take, from the freshwater stream to wash the coal; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in this regard; (2) whether he will furnish Ms A M M Weber with the water user licence for both wash plants (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, on what date?
Reply:
1. Beethoven Investments has two wash plant dams that are not currently operational. The polluted water from the wash plant runs regularly into the “spook spruit” freshwater stream and then flows into the Klein Olifants River, the Groot Olifants River and finally into the Loskop dam. This is in contravention of Section 151 of the National Water Act in relation to polluting or causing harm to a water resource.
a) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) received a complaint regarding pollution at Spookspruit and conducted an investigation on 23 January 2023. Following the findings of the investigation, DWS issued a Notice of intention to issue a Directive in terms of Sections 19(3) and 53(1) of the National Water Act to Beethoven Organics (Pty) Ltd (IPC beneficiary Pty Ltd). Beethoven Organics submitted an action plan to DWS indicating steps to be taken to remedy the pollution incident. A follow up inspection was conducted on 24 October 2023. The findings were as follows:
- The facility is authorized to take water from a borehole; however it was indicated by the facility representative that their borehole dried up and is therefore no longer in use. It was further indicated that Beethoven Organics (Pty) Ltd buys water from the neighboring mine that has a borehole. DWS officials requested Beethoven Organics to submit proof of service level agreement and borehole meter readings indicating the volume of water supplied by the mine to Beethoven.
- The facility representative, Mr Gert Swanepoel, indicated that they have one water bowser with the capacity of 15000 liters that is used to fetch water from the Pollution Control Dam (PCD) situated at Beethoven Organics (Pty) Ltd wash plant to be used for dust suppression.
b) The Department conducted inspection at Beethoven Organics and an investigation into the above allegations against Beethoven Investment on 24 October 2023 to further engage with the mine. The findings were as follows:
- The officials from DWS observed the said water Bowser with registration number KLV 396 MP conducting dust suppression on the road leading to the site. During the investigation, DWS officials could not find any evidence to support the allegation that water is being abstracted from the Spookspruit River using a Bowser for use in the coal washing plant.
- DWS officials further observed that the Coal Wash Plant Equipment has been set up on site but is not operational. The activities observed on site was coal stockpiling and blending. The facility is authorized for the activities currently taking place.
2. Beethoven has taken over from IPC Beneficiation (Pty) Ltd and operating with their Water Use Licence. The Department has communicated with Beethoven to change the Company Name on the Water Use Licence and to register their water uses. (See attached annexures A-C)
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29 November 2023 - NW3957
Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in his department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in his department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by his department as a result of the trip(s)?
Reply:
There were no costs nor other related costs that were incurred by the department in relation to the Rugby World Cup final in France.
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29 November 2023 - NW3807
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What is the total number of court cases in which his department is a (a) plaintiff and (b) defendant in each province from 2019 until the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) what total amount has his department spent on the specified litigious efforts in the specified period?
Reply:
1. The table below summarises the number of matters per year, per province over the 2019 – 2023 period, wherein the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) was a Plaintiff or a Defendant:
|
PROVINCE |
DWS AS PLAINTIFF |
DWS AS DEFENDANT |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Gauteng |
4 |
18 |
7 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
2 |
|
Limpopo |
- |
3 |
- |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Mpumalanga |
- |
3 |
- |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
KZN |
1 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
- |
2 |
1 |
|
Free State |
- |
3 |
- |
- |
- |
2 |
1 |
|
North -West |
- |
4 |
1 |
1 |
- |
2 |
|
|
Western Cape |
- |
5 |
- |
- |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Eastern Cape |
- |
5 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Total |
5 |
47 |
10 |
7 |
7 |
14 |
9 |
2. The DWS has reimbursed the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development approximately R3.5 million for the 2019-2023 period. The amount of R3.5 million is mostly occasioned where the Department is the Plaintiff, as instances in which the Department is cited as defendant include a number of matters which are purposed to interrupt prescription and there is no further action from the plaintiff against the Department, whereas in other instances the Department is cited as an interested party in an oversight capacity (Section 47 of the Water Services Act, Act 107 of 1997 and Section 68 of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998).
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29 November 2023 - NW3789
Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)In light of the fact that water safety plans require municipalities to be measured on their compliance with microbiological and chemical content regulations, which municipalities did not comply with the prescribed (a) biological and (b) chemical regulations in the past three financial years; (2) whether his department has put in place (a) funds and (b) plans to address the matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) Risk management processes to manage water supply systems effectively were introduced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2004 and described as Water Safety Planning. A Water Safety Plan is a plan to ensure the safety of drinking water through the use of a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach that encompasses all steps in water supply from catchment to consumer.
In South Africa, the Water Safety Plan is a requirement for Blue Drop Certification (incentive-based regulation) and is also a critical component of drinking water management. The development of water safety plans is not yet a regulatory requirement in the norms and standards under the Water Services Act. The current Regulations relating to compulsory national standards and measures to conserve water (Regulation 509 of 8 June 2001) require Water Services Authorities to develop and implement a suitable programme of sampling and for which substances and determinants in the water will be tested. These results are tested in terms of the South African National Standards 241 (SANS 241). Should the results indicate that the water supplied poses a health risk, the water services institution must inform the Director-General of the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Head of the relevant Provincial Department of Health. Furthermore, steps must be taken to inform consumers of the health risks, the reasons for the health risk, precautions that should be taken and the time frames if any, within which it may be expected that water that complies with SANS 241 will be provided.
In terms of the South African National Standards mentioned above, risk assessment requires that a municipality must monitor all the parameters listed in SANS 241 to ensure that risk identification is confirmed through scientific methods in the quality of water abstracted and produced as a measure to monitor risk minimisation. Thus, all drinking water systems in the country are obliged to comply with SANS 241 requirements as opposed to water safety planning principles.
(a-b) Water Services Authorities which did not comply with both microbiological and chemical quality as prescribed by SANS 241 in the past three years are listed in the table below. However, it should be noted that where the quality of compliance category reflects 0.00%, it should be interpreted as “No data submission” during the financial period, for either microbiological or chemical results to the Department.
|
Water Services Authority |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|||
|
Municipality |
Micro-biological |
Chemical |
Micro-biological |
Chemical |
Micro-biological |
Chemical |
|
Blue Crane Route LM |
NC |
0,00% |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Dr Beyers Naude LM |
C |
C |
C |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
|
Joe Gqabi DM |
C |
C |
C |
C |
C |
0,00% |
|
Kouga LM |
C |
0,00% |
C |
C |
C |
0,00% |
|
Kou-Kamma LM |
NC |
C |
0,00% |
0,00% |
NC |
C |
|
Makana LM |
C |
C |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Ndlambe LM |
C |
C |
C |
C |
C |
0,00% |
|
Sunday`s River Valley LM |
NC |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
NC |
0,00% |
|
Dihlabeng LM |
C |
C |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Kopanong LM |
C |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Mafube LM |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Maluti a Phofung LM |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Masilonyana LM |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Matjhabeng LM |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
C |
C |
|
Mohokare LM |
NC |
C |
C |
C |
C |
C |
|
Moqhaka LM |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
C |
C |
|
Nala LM |
C |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
|
Nketoana LM |
C |
C |
C |
C |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Tokologo LM |
0,00% |
0,00% |
NC |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Harry Gwala DM |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Capricorn DM |
C |
NC |
C |
C |
C |
C |
|
Modimolle / Mookgophong |
C |
C |
0,00% |
0,00% |
C |
C |
|
Mogalakwena LM |
NC |
0,00% |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Thabazimbi LM |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Albert Luthuli LM |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Dipaleseng LM |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Dr JS Moroka LM |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
C |
C |
|
Emakhazeni LM |
C |
0,00% |
NC |
0,00% |
NC |
0,00% |
|
Lekwa LM |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Msukaligwa LM |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Nkomazi LM |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Pixley Ka Seme LM |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Thaba Chweu LM |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
C |
|
Thembisile LM |
C |
C |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Dr. Ruth S Mompati DM |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Maquassi Hills LM |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Moretele LM |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
0,00% |
C |
C |
|
Ngaka Modiri Molema DM |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
|
!Kai! Garib LM |
C |
C |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Dikgatlong LM |
C |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Emthanjeni LM |
NC |
0,00% |
NC |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Gamagara LM |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
0,00 |
0,00% |
|
Joe Morolong LM |
NC |
C |
0,00% |
0,00% |
C |
C |
|
Kamiesberg LM |
NC |
0,00% |
NC |
0,00% |
NC |
0,00% |
|
Khai-Ma LM |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Magareng LM |
C |
0,00% |
NC |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
|
Phokwane LM |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
C |
C |
|
Renosterberg LM |
C |
0,00% |
0,00% |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
|
Richtersveld LM |
C |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
NC |
0,00% |
|
Siyancuma LM |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Siyathemba LM |
C |
C |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Tsantsabane LM |
C |
NC |
C |
NC |
0,00% |
0,00% |
|
Umsobomvu LM |
NC |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
|
Kannaland LM |
C |
0,00% |
NC |
0,00% |
C |
0,00% |
|
Laingsburg LM |
C |
C |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Langeberg LM |
C |
C |
C |
C |
NC |
C |
|
Key: |
DM - District Municipality |
NC - Non-Compliant |
||||
|
LM – Local Municipality |
0.00% - no data submission |
C - Compliant |
(2) The Department has recommenced with the Blue Drop Certification Programme to intensify regulation and monitoring of the municipalities and ensure that all municipalities are assessed on all regulatory requirements. The intention is for municipalities to put mechanisms in place to improve compliance to microbiological and chemical requirements as prescribed by SANS 241. As a result, the Department realised some improvement of the drinking water quality management within the municipalities as far as compliance and data submission. With improved monitoring, more municipalities will ultimately improve on both microbiological and chemical compliance as required by the relevant regulation.
The water services reform process currently underway includes the review of the Water Services Act which will provide explicit regulation of drinking water quality as well as administrative enforcement powers similar to those outlined in the National Water Act. The offences under the Water Services Act will also be broadened to include failure to adhere to norms and standards. Lastly, the proposed introduction of licensing of water services providers will progressively ensure the improvement of water services provision against the norms and standards. The revision of the norms and standards as will include water safety plans and will be aligned to the amendments being made to the SANS 241.
The Department is assisting some of the worst performing municipalities with water safety planning and these activities are being undertaken in collaboration with the South African Local Government Association and the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency.
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29 November 2023 - NW3752
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department intends to take immediate and robust measures to assist with sustainable and uninterrupted water supply to the residents of Polokwane, who have had challenges to access basic water services; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION
The Polokwane Local Municipality (LM) receives daily water supply from the Ebenezer Water Treatment Works (WTW), Olifantspoort WTW and Dalmada WTW. The Ebenezer and Olifantspoort WTWs are operated by Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) while Dalmada WTW is operated by the municipality. The Polokwane LM is also operating about 53 boreholes around Polokwane City and Seshego to augment the water supply. For an estimated twelve months, the reservoirs supplying Polokwane have not been able to fill up to capacity, mostly averaging 30%.
The WTWs and associated infrastructure are not operating to full capacity due to challenges which include electricity supply challenges, frequent pipe bursts because of dilapidated asbestos pipelines that must be replaced and faulty pumpstations. The Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality is implementing a project to upgrade the power lines which started by July 2023 and was planned for completion in December 2023. While the project is ongoing, the GTLM cuts electricity supply to Ebenezer Plant from 6 am to 12 pm on week days. This down time results in water supply interruptions to the Polokwane City and Mankweng Area. This has resulted in water supply interruptions which have affected the town of Polokwane including Bendor, Serala view, Flora Park, Fauna Park. Sterk Park, Moregloed, Nirvana, Ivy Park Polokwane Extentions and Seshego (1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8).
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has provided financial support for development of ground water to augment water supply in Polokwane. The project cost is estimated to be R861 million through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG). The Polokwane LM will co-fund the project R177 million through its internal funding. The project is under construction with overall progress of 95% and anticipated to be completed by June 2024. The scope of the project includes groundwater development in various wellfields around Polokwane (69 boreholes); construction of Sand River North and Seshego WTWs and associated bulk infrastructure for water conveyance.
The DWS is also funding the Ebenezer and Olifantspoort Bulk Water Supply project implemented by Lepelle Northern Water (LNW). The project is funded through blended funding including RBIG, Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) and commercial funding to be facilitated by LNW with assistance of the Infrastructure Fund (IF). The project scope includes refurbishing of existing infrastructure in the Ebenezar and Olifantspoort schemes to restore capacity. The next phase of the project will be focused on upgrading the capacity of the WTWs to meet the future demand for water.
LNW appointed the contractors in November 2023. Construction is expected to start in the January 2024. The refurbishment will ensure maximum efficiency of the existing infrastructure and improve water supply to Polokwane by limiting downtime on the schemes due challenges indicated above. The refurbishment phase is expected to be completed by July 2026 with estimated project cost of R4.5 billion.
The project to upgrade infrastructure is intended to increase water provision to Polokwane form 144Ml/d to 180Ml/d and ultimately to 270Ml/d to meet future demand for water. The projects will commence once all planning processes are concluded, and all financial sources are secured to cover the overall project cost. The Department has already granted LNW water use licence of additional 90 Ml/d to cater for the upgrade of the Olifantspoort WTW as part of planning process for scheme upgrade. LNW is in the process of acquiring the servitudes which is required for approval of the IRS by end of the 2023/24 financial year.
The DWS is currently processing the IRS for the replacement of 2,2 km of the raw water pipeline which will restore the supply of raw water to 18 Ml/d at the Dalmada WTW. The project also involves the upgrade of the Dap Naude booster pump station to deliver 21 Ml/day; construction of a new 21Ml/day in-line booster pump station at Kopje Alleen; refurbishment and upgrade of the Dalmada Water Treatment Works to a capacity of 21 Ml/day. The cost of the project is estimated at R77 million.
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29 November 2023 - NW3748
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether he has been informed that residents of Mamelodi in Tshwane, have not had access to water for three days, with no warning and/or provisions made following the water cut; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The City of Tshwane issued a media alert on 3rd November 2023 regarding the unplanned water supply interruptions that effected Mamelodi amongst other areas nearby.
The City of Tshwane’s Water and Sanitation Department Team of plumbers attended to a major leak on the bulk pipeline which supplies Mamelodi R3 and R4 Reservoirs. During repairs, water tankers were arranged to service customers in the affected areas.
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28 November 2023 - NW3681
Moore, Mr S J to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
With reference to sewage spewing down the streets and at times into people’s homes (details furnished) and given the Green Drop Report which found 334 Wastewater Treatment works were in critical condition and consequently now subject to legal proceedings, what are the reasons his department only opened seven cases from the 334 identified?
Reply:
The Green Drop report found 334 wastewater systems, belonging to 90 municipalities to be in a critical state of performance. It is important to note that where the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) approaches the Prosecuting Authority for criminal cases or Court for civil relief it is done on an entity or in this case a municipal basis. Reporting on criminal and civil cases will be on a municipal level, compared to where the Department reports on its administrative action (pre-directives and directives) on wastewater systems level.
Not all 90 municipalities are facing criminal charges as there is a process to be followed. The National Water Act makes provision for two types of enforcement actions namely administrative and criminal. Common law provides a third option of approaching a civil court for relief where there is imminent threat to life, property or the environment.
Upon the release of the Green Drop report all 90 municipalities was issued with a non-compliance letter for the development and submission of corrective action plans (see Table 1 below). To date the department has received 195 such plans. If an action plan is received and it is being implemented no further enforcement action is taken. Where municipalities fail to provide or to implement these action plans and where pollution or other non-compliances with the National Water Act is detected through compliance monitoring, the department will exercise its administrative regulatory authority by the issuing of Pre-Directives and where these are not adhered to the issuance of Directives.
The Department has issued, for these 90 municipalities, over the last two years, 184 pre-directives and 94 Directives (see Table 1) for its non-compliant systems. Some of these pre-dates the release of the Green Drop Report. One of the offences listed in the National Water Act is the non-adherence to an issued directive (administrative action) which is used as the basis for laying criminal charges.
Therefore the 12 criminal cases highlighted with the release of the Green Drop Watch report in June 2023 (as a measure of progress of addressing the results of the Green Drop) was as a result of the Department already having issued directives against those municipalities and not succeeding in securing compliance with its administrative tools (they remained non-compliant) and the necessity to then proceed to criminal charges and investigations with the assistance of the National Prosecuting Authority, who decides on the prosecution.
Currently, 22 municipalities are facing criminal charges for various offenses, including but not limited to, non-compliance to a directive, the unlawful commission of acts or omissions that result in water resource pollution or the likelihood thereof (the dockets for these cases are being managed by DWS and Department of Forestry, Fishery and the Environment).
Eighteen (18) of these 22 municipalities have systems that were identified as critical in the Green Drop Report. The number of cases therefore has increased from 12 in June 2023 to 18 municipalities with systems in a critical state of performance. The investigations are in various stages and upon completion of the case dockets, they are submitted to the Prosecuting Authority for prosecutorial decisions. To date, the Department has also approached the courts for civil interdicts for 17 municipalities, 9 of which were systems identified as critical in the Green Drop Report (see Table 1).
Table 1: Administrative, civil and criminal cases against the 90 municipalities with systems identified as critical in the Green Drop Report
|
Province |
Municipalities (Water Service Authorities) (WSA) |
Number of Wastewater Treatment Works (<31% Green Drop score) |
# (%) Corrective Action Plans |
Non-Compliance Letters Issued |
Pre-Directives |
Directive |
Civil Cases against WSA linked to 334 critical Systems |
Current Criminal cases against WSA linked to 334 critical systems |
|
Eastern Cape |
10 |
48 |
45 (94%) |
48 |
23 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Free State |
17 |
64 |
28(44%) |
64 |
33 |
15 |
1 |
5 |
|
Gauteng |
4 |
9 |
8 (89%) |
9 |
8 |
8 |
0 |
2[1] |
|
KwaZulu Natal |
4 |
20 |
0 (0%) |
20 |
8 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limpopo |
10 |
50 |
50 (100%) |
50 |
30 |
27 |
1 |
4 |
|
Mpumalanga |
8 |
33 |
17 (51%) |
33 |
31 |
21 |
3 |
4 |
|
Northern Cape |
23 |
59 |
14 (24%) |
59 |
26 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
|
Northwest |
7 |
33 |
15 (45%) |
33 |
17 |
6 |
2[2] |
1[3] |
|
Western Cape |
7 |
18 |
18 (100%) |
18 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
|
National Totals |
90 |
334 (90 WSAs) |
195 (58%) |
334 |
184 |
94 |
9[4] |
18[5] |
Thus far, the Department has obtained 3 Plea Sentencing Agreements against Rand West City LM, Thaba Chweu LM and Lekwa LM for contravening NWA provisions. Fines were imposed against each Local Municipality. The Department is currently monitoring compliance with the plea sentencing agreements. Furthermore, the Department obtained one (1) court order against Msukaligwa LM. The Department will continue to monitor the implementation of the court order.
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-
Merafong Local Municipality is facing criminal charges for four of its wastewater systems which are part of the identified critical systems. ↑
-
The Department is seeking civil relief for 2 wastewater systems for Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the Northwest province. ↑
-
Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality is facing further criminal charges for 4 of its wastewater systems. These investigations are being led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment ↑
-
Further civil cases against WSAs not relating to these 344 systems include 2 in Gauteng and Limpopo each, and one each in Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu Natal. ↑
-
Further 3 criminal cases against WSAs not relating to these 334 systems include two in Gauteng and one in the Northern Cape province. ↑
20 November 2023 - NW3675
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether, given the rapid deterioration of waste water treatment facilities in most parts of the Republic, he will consider advising the President to declare a National State of Disaster on the specified facilities to facilitate their urgent revamp in order not only to avert the loss of life due to communicable diseases associated with sewage such as cholera, tetanus and Hepatitis A, but also to arrest the increasing damage to the environment and the growing pollution of dams, rivers, and waterways across the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date is it envisaged that he will advise the President?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is not of the view that the President should declare a National State of Disaster based on the deterioration of waste water treatment facilities to facilitate an urgent revamp of sanitation infrastructure across the country. Municipalities are allocated funding in terms of the Division of Revenue Act, and various grants from national government which are all intended towards development of infrastructure that is the responsibility of municipalities, including water and sanitation infrastructure.
The DWS contribution to the local government sector for water and sanitation is in the form of R12 billion for the 2023/2024 financial year through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant and the Water Services Infrastructure Grant; as well as technical advice and management support facilitated through the Department and the water boards.
In addition to the DWS grants, municipalities also receive national government transfers for water services as follows:
- R6.6 billion for the 2023/24 financial year allocated Municipal Infrastructure Grants from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
- R2.6 billion for the 2023/24 financial year allocated to Metropolitan municipalities through the Urban Settlement Development Grants deployed by the Department of Human Settlements
- For the current financial year municipalities have also been allocated R40 billion through the Equitable Share for water and sanitation
Apart from these grants, the water sector has to be self-financing through revenues from the sale of water and services rendered to users. Water sector institutions must be financially viable and sustainable through implementation of user charges and sound revenue collection systems. A portion of these revenues should then be utilised for the ongoing operation and maintenance of sanitation infrastructure so that wastewater treatment plants and associated infrastructure do not fall into disrepair.
The current challenges with wastewater systems management are not only due to infrastructure backlogs but also the lack of maintenance of the systems by municipalities. The Department is of the view that the root cause of deterioration of wastewater treatment facilities is the poor performance of Water Service Providers at the municipal level. The Department is intending to address this through the Water Services Amendment Bill which will include provisions which will specify that:
- Water and sanitation services to only be provided by an entity (municipality or other entity) that has an operating license
- Minimum competency and minimum performance levels for water service providers linked to gazetted minimum norms and standards for water and sanitation services
- Municipalities must fulfill license conditions if they provide the service itself, or must contract with a licensed WSP
The Water Services Amendment Bill is also intended to strengthen enforcement through the amendment of Section 63 to enable enforcement through directives (as is done in National Water Act).
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20 November 2023 - NW3698
Matuba, Ms M M to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light on the fact that the Government departments have a responsibility to use their budget and procurement spending to ensure the benefit of historically disadvantaged individuals, what total amount of his departmental budget has been used to benefit historically disadvantaged individuals, namely women, young persons and people living with disabilities in the past four financial years?
Reply:
Up until 2020/21 the Department was tracking Exempted Micro Enterprises and Qualifying Small Enterprises and was not tracking procurement expenditure in terms of the designated groups. The Department commenced tracking procurement expenditure relating to Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) from 2021/22.
|
AREA |
2019/20 |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
2022/23 |
|
Women |
- |
- |
R1,476 billion |
R1,394 billion |
|
Youth |
- |
- |
R610 million |
R364 million |
|
People living with disabilities |
- |
- |
R64 million |
R121 million |
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20 November 2023 - NW3686
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
How will his department address the recent concerning data from Census 2022 that 8.7% of households have no access to piped water which only represents a 0.1% reduction in 11 years, indicating a failure by his department for lacking adequate plans to install the necessary infrastructure for provision of piped water to households?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has already commissioned projects in all Water Service Authorities (WSAs) to do situational assessments of water supply infrastructure and reasons for service delivery challenges. The outcomes of these assessments show that the backlogs are due to the significant growth in the number of households on the fringes of communities that have not been connected to existing municipal water supply infrastructure. This is also borne out by the census 2022 data indicating a 23,4% growth in the number households from 14,4 million households in 2011 to 17,8 million in 2022.
Although the overall access to piped water shows a small increase, the percentage of households with access to piped water inside the dwelling increased from 46.3% in 2011 to 59.7% in 2022, which indicates a focus on delivery of higher levels of service. The distribution of households by main source of water contrasts with the piped water figure as the majority of households across the three censuses made use of a regional/local water scheme as their main source of water. This proportion increased steadily from 74,7% in 2001 to 79,7% in 2011, and to 82,7% in 2022.
The DWS has two conditional grants which aim at addressing water and sanitation services backlogs across the country and is implementing over 250 water and sanitation intermittent and intermediate projects aimed at providing water and sanitation services to all municipalities across the country. These projects are funded through Water Services Infrastructure Grant which provide immediate to short term solutions.
Furthermore, the DWS has over 90 bulk water projects that will assist municipalities across the country to connect households to potable water. These bulk water projects are funded through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant. All these projects are initiatives by the DWS to ensure that households have access potable water.
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20 November 2023 - NW3680
Moore, Mr S J to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department has put any interventions in place to resolve the water crisis in Gauteng, where some local communities such as in the Lesedi Local Municipality, have been without secure water supply for months; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the interventions that his department has put in place to restore water to the local communities?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation has established a Water Supply Joint Operation Committee (JOC) together with Rand Water and all the three Metropolitan Municipalities (City of Ekurhuleni, City of Johannesburg, and City of Tshwane) in the Gauteng province. The JOC is a technical committee that has been meeting daily for the past two months to review the system yield and work out ways on how the water could be equitably shared. Also, the JOC looks at water supply challenges in the province as well as interventions to address the challenges. These interventions include restrictions of some of the bulk meters, closing some of the reservoirs overnight to allow the bulk water supply system to be at an acceptable healthy state. Currently, the water demand in Gauteng has grown rapidly, largely due to population growth and partly due to the increasing leaks in municipal distribution systems.
The Minister had held engagements with all the political and administrative leadership of all the municipalities in Gauteng and Rand Water in the Province wherein the municipalities are encouraged to address the increasing water consumption, non- revenue water and physical water losses. The municipalities are advised to improve their billing and revenue collection and allocate increased funding to maintenance and reducing leaks. It should be noted that the demand-supply relationship for treated water in Gauteng is very tight and the system is vulnerable to disruptions caused by heavy loadshedding, electro-mechanical breakdowns or theft of cables.
The Lesedi Local Municipality is a Category B municipality located in the south-eastern extents of Gauteng Province. It is one of three local municipalities within the Sedibeng District Municipality. Water supply for Lesedi comes from Mapleton Booster Station of Rand Water. The water is then pumped into Springs Brakpan Water Supply System of Rand Water. The storage facility is Selcourt Reservoir and there are 2-meter points on the western-edge i.e., Jameson Park/Kaydale and Heidelberg Town. The Selcourt reservoir must be above 50% capacity to sufficiently supply the Lesedi LM. The power failures, trips, pipeline failures and other emergency shut downs and overall water consumption by the metros affect the level of this reservoir.
The following water distributions systems are therefore affected: Rensburg Reservoir & Tower which supplied Walker, Vos, Zuid, JG Strydom and Coen Labuschagne. On the 12th of October, Rensburg Reservoir was at 15%. The Heidelberg Command Reservoirs which supplies the Heidelberg CBD, Jordan Park and Bergsig.
The Lesedi Local Municipality is currently implementing the below short-term measures to mitigate the water supply shortages in their area of jurisdiction when there are challenges: -
• Water tankering using three (3) municipal Water tankers, which services the affected areas. The high lying areas of Rensburg will be serviced as long as there are water shortages in the area.
• Designed System Operation alterations, to equitably manage supply to various settlements. That means the rotation of supply between low and high-pressure systems is done to ensure equitable access amongst all residents.
• Regular Feed back to the affected communities.
There are continuous engagements between the Municipality and Rand Water, on matters related to the water supply.
The Department provided R 18 million to Lesedi LM for the 2023/24 financial year for installation of the water supply infrastructure in Kaydale township.
Rand water is implementing an Upgrade of Mapleton Pumping Station which will be commissioned by December 2024. They are further Installing generators as a short-term measure in their Mapleton system by November 2023. Long- term interventions include construction of new reservoirs by 2028 at Brakpan 200Ml, and another 80 Ml Reservoir at Selcourt.
The daily JOC between Rand Water and Metros in the main also assist to ensure that the local municipalities are not negatively affected by the high consumption of the metros since water is appropriately shifted to ensure that everyone has some water despite the challenges of over-abstraction.
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20 November 2023 - NW3676
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether he has found that the funding provided by his department to the Renosterberg Local Municipality for repairs to its sewer reticulation system and pump stations has been spent effectively and efficiently; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what steps has his department taken to ensure that the Renosterberg Local Municipality complies with all the directives issued by his department?
Reply:
1. The Renosterberg Local Municipality (LM) requested support from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and The Northern Cape Department of CoGHSTA regarding urgent repairs and maintenance of its sewer reticulation system and pump stations. This assistance was required due to financial obligations and constraints that the municipality was experiencing.
A condition assessment was conducted by DWS, MISA and CoGHSTA and based on this assessment, the following scope of work indicated in the table below was finalised to rectify the sewer infrastructure challenges:
|
ITEM |
REPAIRS OF SET'UER PUMPSTATIONS IN VANDERKLOOF |
|
1 |
Main Pumpstation 36kW Gorman Rupp: Repairs on the Electrical Panel |
|
2 |
Repair of Minor Sewer Pumpstation 11kW (x2) Hidrostal (Electrical and Mechanical Repairs) - Suikerbossie Street |
|
3 |
Repair of Minor Sewer Pumpstation 11kW (x2) Hidrostal {Electrical and Mechanical Repairs} - Nature Reserve Street |
The abovementioned repairs could not be funded through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) of the DWS, with the exception for the level control switches for both pumps which were priced at R 150 000. Funding was allocated by DWS for this work.
The Northern Cape Department of CoGHSTA allocated R1 million for the required work. The Request for Quotation was issued by CoGHSTA during August 2022 for the repairs of the sewer pumpstations in Vanderkloof and work was completed by December 2022.
DWS assisted in monitoring of the works together with the CoGHSTA office. Retention work to the level control system was done during October 2022 and additional maintenance to the main pumpstation seals was done by the Renosterberg LM during October 2023.
2. Regulatory actions taken by the DWS to ensure that the Renosterberg Local Municipality complies with requirements for wastewater management include the following:
- The DWS issued notices of intent and Directives to the Renosterberg LM for spillages from the pumpstation and discharges from the Vanderkloof Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW).
- A Notice of intention to issue a directive in terms of Sections19(1) and 53(1) of the NWA was issued to municipality, on 24 November 2018. No response was received by DWS in relation to the notice issued.
- A directive issued 5 February 2019 requiring rectification of pollution activities as discharges from pumpstations and the Vanderkloof WWTW into the Vanderkloof dam. There were requirements to stop pollution and improve operation and maintenance. The municipality partially rectified operation and maintenance issues and waste discharges.
- There were complaints received by DWS from members of the public about accumulated to sewer discharges from 2 pumpstations and the Vanderkloof WWTW into the Vanderkloof dam from the beginning of March 2022. Verbal communication with municipal officials and investigation of the Vanderkloof pumpstations and WWTW on 23 December 2021 and during 18-22 March 2022 indicated discharges from the two pumpstations on the Vanderkloof dam had created algal blooms in March 2022. The Municipality indicated that the pumps were not pumping and discharging to the dam. The LM was in the process of refurbishing the pumpstations but are experiencing procurement challenges due to financial status of Renosterberg LM. AS an interim measure, the sewerage was pumped and trucked to the WWTW by the municipality.
- Another directive was issued by DWS in March 2022 for the municipality to stop the spillages and rectify the infrastructure.
A MISA report issued in April 2022 confirmed infrastructure deficiencies. A site inspection conducted by CoGHSTA also reached the same conclusion as the DWS investigations that the Vanderkloof WWTW and associated pump stations are contaminating groundwater resources and polluting the Vanderkloof Dam.
The municipality informed DWS of challenges experienced with the WWTW and pumpstations. The municipality indicated that its accounts were frozen due to outstanding Eskom debt and therefore no funds could be accessed to implement the corrective actions and comply with the DWS directives. However, the account was unfrozen as per the court ruling in May 2022. Afterwards, the DWS instructed the municipality to submit a corrective plant of action with clear time frames to address non-compliance on 22 June 2022. The plan is addressed as indicated in (1) above.
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20 November 2023 - NW3669
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What (a) total amount in outstanding debts is owed by municipalities to water boards as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) steps has his department taken to mitigate the growing debt crisis to ensure the financial stability and viability of the water supply infrastructure of the Republic?
Reply:
a) The total amount in outstanding debts is owed by municipalities to water boards and the Department’s Water Trading Entity as at the end of September 2023 was R26.7 billion. The Water Boards are currently owed R18.3 billion and the Water Trading Entity is currently owed R8.4 billion by the municipalities.
b) Steps taken by the Department to mitigate the growing debt crisis to ensure the financial stability and viability of the water supply infrastructure include the following:
- Development of Standard Operating Processes (SOPs) for debt recovery have been developed, covering both the Water Boards and the Department’s Water Trading Entity.
- A consultation process inclusive of all water sector stakeholders was undertaken on the outstanding debt and the strategy to improve billing and revenue collection for bulk raw water and bulk water services. Stakeholders included 144 Water Services Authorities (WSA’s), 9 Members of Executive Councils (MEC’s) responsible for Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs, South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). All the sector stakeholders were given opportunity to comment on SOPs until 24 March 2023.
- On 6 October 2023, the Minister further convened a meeting with all the Water Boards and the SOPs were presented to the Water Boards. The resolution of the meeting was that the Water Boards should submit their comments on the SOPs to DWS by 20 October 2023. Comments were received from the water boards and are in support of the SOPs.
The Minister has now finalized the consultation process. The Department and Water Boards will continue to engage the local government sector through the Intergovernmental Relations Framework (IRFA) provisions to recover the outstanding debt. Should this not result in a solution the department and water boards will implement the following steps in line with the SOPs:
- DWS will collaborate with National Treasury to ensure that equitable share
allocations are withheld for municipalities not paying their current invoices. - Consistent enforcement of water restrictions on non-paying municipalities.
- Legal processes which will result in a judgement against the municipalities and repayment agreements can then be concluded which will be made an order of the court.
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17 November 2023 - NW3155
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department has the relevant details of the total number of reported bulk water pipes that had burst and/or were leaking in each province in the 2022-23 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what total (a) number of the specified reports has he followed up on, (b) number of burst and/or leaking bulk water pipes has his department repaired and/or replaced and (c) amount has his department spent in this regard?
Reply:
The table below indicates total number of reported bulk water pipes in terms of infrastructure that is owned and operated by Water Boards that had burst and/or were leaking in the 2022-23 financial year.
|
Water Board |
Total number of reported bulk water pipes that had burst and/or were leaking in the 2022-23 financial year |
(a) Total number of the specified reports followed up on |
(b) Total number of burst and/or leaking bulk water pipes repaired and/or replaced |
(c) Total amount spent |
|
Amatola Water |
562 |
562 |
562 |
R10 716 073 |
|
Vaal Central Water (former Bloem Water) |
325 |
325 |
325 |
R7 534 430 |
|
Lepelle Northern Water |
158 |
158 |
158 |
R1 310 500 |
|
Magalies Water |
635 |
635 |
635 |
R2 175 449 |
|
Overberg Water |
96 |
96 |
96 |
R834 000 |
|
Rand Water |
236 |
236 |
236 |
R230 000 000 |
|
uMngeni-uThukela Water (former Umgeni and Mhlathuze Water) |
171 |
171 |
171 |
R500 120 038 |
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17 November 2023 - NW3549
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Of the 334 municipal wastewater treatment works mentioned in the 2022 Green Drop report as being in a critical state and consequently placed under regulatory surveillance and required to submit a detailed corrective plan within 60 days, what (a) total number of municipalities complied and (b) specific actions were taken against noncompliant municipalities?
Reply:
The Department released the Green Drop 2023 Watch Report in June 2023 which is an interim report to keep the public and stakeholders updated and informed on the progress made by municipalities to remedy failing dysfunctional wastewater infrastructure and compliance.
- The Department received corrective action plans (CAPS) from municipalities for 189 of the 334 wastewater systems (i.e. 57% response rate). By June 2023, only 84 of the 189 plans submitted to the department were being implemented, with the balance being in planning phase or no progress reported.
- For those municipalities which did not submit corrective action plans, DWS has issued directives in terms of the National Water Act compelling them to submit such plans. Criminal charges have been laid against some of the municipalities which have not submitted corrective action plans and are non-compliant to NWA directives previously issued. Further cases are being investigated and the Department is finalising case dockets and will subsequently refer these cases to the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute non-compliant municipalities.
The Department has entered a Plea Sentencing Agreement with three (3) municipalities that were non-compliant with the provisions of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998). As a result, fines have been imposed through a Court Order. The Department is continuing to monitor the implementation of the order to ensure compliance. Furthermore, a Court Interdict was obtained against Msukaligwa LM for causing pollution of the water resources.
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17 November 2023 - NW3430
Makamba-Botya, Ms N to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department has taken any measures of intervention to repair the aging bulk water and sanitation infrastructure whose weaknesses were exposed in the recent months across all the provinces, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reprioritised the allocated Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant and Water Services Infrastructure Grant towards addressing the emergency needs of repair, refurbish and where applicable upgrade water services infrastructure which were failing to perform at optimal levels. The infrastructure is owned and operated by municipalities and refurbishment projects are implemented by these municipalities as Implementing Agents. This is an ongoing intervention which is intended to improve water and sanitation service delivery.
The Department is working together with Municipalities to ensure that the interventions are complemented with functioning and sound Asset Management Policies as well as the required capacity to properly operate and maintain this infrastructure. This will ensure performance of infrastructure to maximum design capacity and curb eliminate failures caused by lack of maintenance and neglect.
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17 November 2023 - NW3276
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department is overseeing the interim measures to alleviate the current water shortages being experienced by communities in the (a) Capricorn District Municipality, (b) Sekhukhune District Municipality and (c) Polokwane Local Municipality whilst refurbishments are underway; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps has he taken in this regard?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is overseeing interventions to alleviate current water shortages in Sekhukhune District Municipality, Capricorn District Municipality and Polokwane Local Municipality. The interim measures implemented in the areas include emergency relief measures as follows:
- 20 water tankers which were provided to Sekhukhune District Municipality. 1690 water tanks have been installed in Sekhukhune as a short-term measure to ensure communities are able access water on a daily basis.
- The Polokwane LM delivers water through water tankers to communities as per notifications received about areas/ households without water.
- DWS is overseeing groundwater development projects and there are ongoing construction projects to install elevated storage tanks.
The DWS allocated funding through its Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) for implementation of water services reticulation projects in the Sekhukhune, Capricorn and Polokwane Municipalities. The funding was allocated for the 2023/24 financial year for projects to be implemented by the Municipalities to improve access to water. Funding allocated to each municipality is indicated below:
- Sekhukhune DM - R49 million
- Capricorn DM - R 158 million
- Polokwane LM - R 72,7 million
Villages to benefit from the reticulation projects are indicated in the table below:
|
Municipality |
Villages benefiting |
|
Sekhukhune DM |
Maebe, Tukakgomo, Nkosini, Moutse, Phokwane, Mabulela, Rutseng and Ga-Marishane |
|
Capricorn DM |
Ga-Malokela, Indermark, Senwabarwana, Driekoppies, Mogwadi, Maponto, Bolatjane, Ramatjowe, Dipateng, Sekhwama and Maleka |
|
Polokwane LM |
Mashamaite, Makgodu, Mars, Moletijie, Bakone Ga-Ntlolane, Ga-Phofu, Badimong, Segwasi and surrounding areas |
The municipalities are required to establish project steering committees and project management teams to ensure effective monitoring of project progress. By overseeing the implementation of these projects and enabling water carting by the Water Services Authorities to communities, the Department supports the municipalities to ensure that water is supplied to the various communities in the three Municipalities until bulk infrastructure projects are completed.
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15 November 2023 - NW3538
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light of the ongoing sewage pollution threatening the Vaal River, a crucial water source for millions of persons, what specific steps is his department taking to (a) safeguard public health, (b) reduce contamination and (c) ensure sustainable water access for affected communities?
Reply:
(a-b)The Department is implementing an intervention in terms of Section 63 of the National Water Services Act through the Sedibeng Sewer Scheme Project and Vaal River System Intervention in the Sedibeng District. Rand Water, the Implementing Agent is making satisfactory progress on the various projects that are currently under implementation.
However, sewer spillages in all municipal areas remain a challenge where repairs or unblocking of lines are delayed or where pumpstations are overloaded. Where sewer spillages occur and are brought to the Department’s attention, these are investigated, and Directives issued to rapidly address such pollution incidents. The Department is continuously monitoring the quality of water resources and effluent discharges. In addition, those with water use authorisation are required to meet the norms and standards. The Blue and Green Drop Certification programmes intensify monitoring of municipal service provision by ensuring that the entire value chain is assessed. These assessments enable the Department to have a targeted approach where diagnosis is done on municipal performance. The risks are identified, and water services authorities are required to address root causes.
Though raw water is drawn from rivers and dams, it is treated in Water Treatment Works and the treated water is required by law to meet drinking water standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards in South African National Standard (SANS) 241.
(c) The Department has a five-year reliability plan which identifies levels of access and other aspects of water services standards where a holistic plan is developed and implemented for each water services authority using the District Development Model and the various grant funding streams are used for water and sanitation infrastructure upgrades and refurbishments.
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08 November 2023 - NW3360
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What (a) number of criminal charges has his department laid against municipal mayors and/or executive mayors who are in flagrant breach of legislation pertaining to the management of wastewater treatment facilities and water treatment plants (i) in the (aa) 2021-22 and (bb) 2022-23 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2023 and (b) are the relevant details in each case; (2) what (a) are the details of all criminal charges that his department is currently in the process of instituting against municipal managers and/or executive mayors who are in serial transgression of water and sanitation legislation in the 2023-24 financial year and (b) are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
1. (a) Municipal- and executive mayors are generally not charged in matters against the local or district municipality as they are not accounting officers. Municipal Managers are also not as a general rule charged in their personal capacity, but the Municipal Manager is cited as the accounting officer in civil and charged in criminal matters as the head of the municipality (corporate entity). Should gross negligence or misconduct be reported or detected we are obliged to investigate and these individuals including the mayors can be charged. The matters below are cases against municipalities where the Municipal Manager has not been charged in their personal capacity. The Department of Water and Sanitation together with Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment has however recently had a successful engagement with the National Director Public Prosecutions to reinstate and charge the delinquent Municipal Manager of Lephalale Local Municipality. There are also three contempt of court applications for Lekwa LM, Mookgopong LM and Dr Ruth Segomotsi DM where the Municipal Managers will be held personally liable.
|
Criminal Enforcement Actions Taken Against Non-Compliant Municipalities |
|||
|
Sector |
2021 – 2022 financial year |
2022 – 2023 financial year |
1 April 2023 onwards |
|
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
3 |
10 |
11 |
|
Total |
3 |
10 |
11 |
2. (a) The criminal charges instituted against municipalities and their municipal managers vary on a case by case basis. Based on section 151(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act no. 36 of 1998) this can include subsection (a) use of water other than permitted under this Act; subsection (c) failure to comply with any condition attached to a permitted water use under this Act; subsection (d) failure to comply with a directive issued under section 19, 20, 53; subsection (i) unlawfully and intentionally or negligently committing any act or omission which pollutes or is likely to pollute a water resource. Cases opened in the 2023/ 2024 financial year are listed in the table below:
|
Wastewater Treatment Works |
Municipality |
SAPS CAS Number |
|
Bushkoppies and Goudkoppies WWTW |
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality |
62/07/2023 & 423/07/2023 |
|
Hoedspruit WWTW |
Maruleng LM |
10/10/2023 |
|
Percy Stewart WWTW |
Mogale City |
76/08/2023 |
|
Hlelo Lunathi Hendrina |
Nkangala District Municipality |
108/08/2023 |
|
Thabazimbi WWTW |
Thabazimbi LM |
112/08/2023 |
|
Lindley WWTW |
Nketoana LM |
116/09/2023 |
|
Koffiefontein WWTW |
Letsemeng LM |
12/09/2023 |
|
Zandspruit pumpstation |
Johannesburg Water |
127/09/2023 |
|
Giyani WWTW |
Mopani District Municipality |
404/10/2023 |
|
Ermelo WWTW diversion |
Msukaligwa LM |
108/10/2023 |
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08 November 2023 - NW3359
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What (a) total number of directives have been issued to public entities, including municipalities responsible for the management of water treatment plants and wastewater treatment facilities, for non-compliance with legislation (i) in the (aa) 2021-22 and (bb) 2022-23 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2023 and (b) number of the specified directives have been fully complied with; (2) what follow-up measures have been taken in respect of the entities who are not adhering to departmental and/or ministerial directives?
Reply:
1. In terms of administrative justice, prior to the issuance of an administrative directive, a notice of intent has to be issued indicating suspected non-compliance and what actions the transgressor will be expected to take should the directive be issued. Upon receipt of the notice the alleged transgressor must respond within a stipulated timeframe and provide a response or plan to rectify the non-compliance. Should no response or representation be received or if the plan submitted is not acceptable, a directive is issued. If the representation brings other facts to light and illustrates that there is no transgression, or an acceptable plan is tabled, then the process does not proceed to the issuance of a directive and the department continues to monitor compliance.
(i)(aa) During the 2021/2022 financial year, the Department had issued a total of 75 Notices of Intention to Issue a Directive in response to identified contraventions related to requirements stipulated under Sections 19 (3) and 22 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998). The Department also issued 36 Directives in response to contraventions. These administrative actions pertain to instances where sewer systems failed to contain wastewater, or treated wastewater insufficiently resulting in water pollution, and also water users that are engaging in unlawful water uses.
|
Enforcement Actions taken against non-compliant Municipalities *from April 2021 to March 2022 |
||
|
Sector |
NWA Notices Issued |
NWA Directives Issued |
|
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
71 |
33 |
|
Government (National/Province] |
4 |
3 |
|
Total |
75 |
36 |
(bb) During the 2022/2023 financial year, the Department had issued 67 Notices of Intention to Issue a Directive and 25 Directives in response to contraventions in response to identified contraventions related to requirements stipulated under Sections 19 (3) and 22 of the National Water Act. These administrative actions pertain to instances where sewer systems failed to contain wastewater, or treated wastewater insufficiently resulting in water pollution and unauthorised water uses.
|
Enforcement Actions taken against non-compliant Municipalities *from April 2022 to March 2023 |
||
|
Sector |
NWA Notices Issued |
NWA Directives Issued |
|
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
62 |
23 |
|
Government [National/Province] |
5 |
2 |
|
Total |
67 |
25 |
From 1 April 2023 to date, the Department had issued 22 Notices of Intention to Issue a Directive and 5 Directives in response to identified contraventions related to requirements stipulated under Sections 19 (3) and 22 of the National Water Act. These administrative actions pertain to instances where sewer systems failed to contain wastewater, or treated wastewater insufficiently resulting in water pollution and unauthorised water uses.
(ii) Eight (8) public entities have fully complied with the administrative enforcement actions taken by the Department for the period 2021-22, 2022-23 and current financial year. There was partial compliance in other instances which has led to criminal charges being laid against public entities that did not comply.
2. The Department has laid 25 criminal charges against public entities that have not complied with the directives issued to compel their compliance with the provisions of the NWA. The Department obtained 3 Plea Sentencing Agreements against Rand West City Local Municipality (LM), Thaba Chweu LM and Lekwa LM for contravening NWA provisions. Criminal charges including causing pollution of water resources were laid, and the municipalities pleaded guilty on all counts. Fines were imposed on each Local Municipalities. The Department is actively monitoring the implementation of compliance with the plea sentencing agreement.
|
Enforcement Actions taken against non-compliant Municipalities in the past three FYs |
||||||
|
Sectors |
Cases Registered at SAPS |
Plea Sentencing Agreement |
||||
|
FY 21/22 |
FY 22/23 |
FY 23/24 |
FY 21/22 |
FY 22/23 |
FY 23/24 |
|
|
Local Government [WSA/WSP] |
3 |
10 |
11 |
- |
2 |
1 |
|
Government [National/Prov] |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Total |
3 |
11 |
11 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
Furthermore, the Department obtained a court order against Msukaligwa LM. The Department will continue to monitor the implementation of the court order.
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08 November 2023 - NW3475
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether, considering the water shortage in the Bojanala district, he will furnish Mrs C Phillips with a copy of the water use license issued to the Serendipity Truck wash situated on Portion 150 of the Farm Buffelshoek 468JQ, which also crosses onto Portion 1 of the Farm Buffelshoek; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether any other license, besides the water use license, has been issued by his department to the Serendipity Truck wash situated on the specified property for the discharge of water containing waste as required by Section 21(f) of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has not issued a Water Use License (WUL) to the Serendipity Truck wash because no WUL application was received from the client.
2. No other licenses have been issued to the Serendipity Truck wash because as there were applications received by the DWS.
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08 November 2023 - NW3476
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether, in light of the water shortage in the Bojanala District, the proliferation of illegal chrome mining and the beneficiation of chrome by plants without water use licenses, he will declare chrome beneficiation via the use of spiral plants as a controlled activity that relies on the provision in Section 38(1) of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998; if not, why not, if so, by what date will the process begin?
Reply:
According to the National Water Act (Act No.36 of 1998), [Section 37 (I)], spiral plants are not considered to be a controlled activity. However, Section 38 (1) allows the Minister to declare any activity as controlled if it is deemed to have detrimental impact on water resources.
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07 November 2023 - NW3378
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What (a) total number of new bulk water projects have been established in each province since June 2022, (b) total amount has been spent during the specified period and (c) are the details of each municipality where the projects have been established?
Reply:
a) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) established twelve (12) new bulk water projects in various provinces since June 2022. The details are provided in the table below;
Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant Projects
|
No |
Province |
(c) Municipality |
Project Name |
(b) Amount Spent (April 2022 to October 2023) R’000 |
|
1. |
Eastern Cape |
Nelson Mandela |
Nelson Mandela Bay - Water Security Programme |
R71,840 |
|
2. |
Free State |
Maluti a Phofung LM |
Maluti-a-Phofung BWS - Intervention |
R72,660 |
|
3. |
Free State |
Matjhabeng Local Municipality |
Matjhabeng Bulk Sewer (Welkom) |
R106,561 |
|
4. |
KwaZulu Natal |
Zululand District Municipality |
Mandlakazi Bulk Water Supply - Intervention |
R240,015 |
|
5. |
Limpopo |
Polokwane |
Ebenezer & Olifantspoort Scheme |
R422,000 |
|
6. |
Mpumalanga |
Thembisile Hani Local Municipality |
Thembisile Water Scheme (Loskop) |
R419,472 |
|
7. |
Mpumalanga |
Lekwa Local Municipality |
Lekwa Water Services and Sewer - Interventions |
R41,676 |
|
8. |
Northern Cape |
Hantam Local Municipality |
Calvinia Bulk Water Supply Project |
R60,000 |
|
9. |
North West |
Moses Kotane Local Municipality |
Pilanesberg South Bulk Water Supply Phase 2 |
R421,972 |
|
10. |
North West |
Moretele Local Municipality |
Moretele North Bulk Water Supply |
R421,972 |
|
11. |
North West |
Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality |
Kagisano Molopo Bulk Water Supply |
R145,000 |
|
12. |
Western Cape |
Drakenstein Local Municipality |
Drakenstein Local Municipality - Sanitation Infrastructure Project |
R9,100 |
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07 November 2023 - NW3331
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What licences are requested from his department to run a (a) coal and (b) chrome wash plant; (2) (a) what enforcements have been put in place in terms of a licence breach, (b) how regular does his department inspect the wash plants, (c) what number of violations have been found in each (i) province and (ii) wash plant in the past three years and (d) what actions were taken to rectify the violations?
Reply:
1. A Water Use License is required to operate a washing plant. The License largely depends on the location of the site, but the following water uses in terms of section 21 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) could be applicable:
(a) taking water from a water resource:
(b) storing water:
(c) impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse:
(e) engaging in a stream flow reduction activity contemplated in section 36; engaging in a controlled activity identified as such in section 37(1) or declared under section 38(1):
(f) discharging waste or water containing waste into a water resource through a pipe, canal. sewer. sea outfall or other conduit:
(g) disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; disposing in any manner of water which contains waste from
(i) altering the bed, banks. course or characteristics of a watercourse.
2. (a) In cases of non-compliance with water use authorisations; the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has enforcement tools in place to address transgressions and manage unlawful water use. This ensures that a set of actions (administrative, criminal, and civil) are taken against non-compliance with the provisions of the National Water Act (NWA) through various measures including notices, directives, and legal action.
(b) The frequency of inspections of authorised wash plants varies across Water Management Areas (WMA) or Provinces. Some Provinces have a higher concentration of wash plants compared to others leading to more frequent inspections. Generally, some inspections occur quarterly or annually depending on the priorities or plans of WMAs. Furthermore, it is important to note that other provinces like Free State, Northern Cape and Western Cape do not have coal and chrome wash plants. Eastern Cape has one coal wash plant which is currently not operational.
Furthermore, unauthorized wash plants are being investigated on a continuous basis when reported or detected. Where enforcement action has been initiated, follow-up is conducted to assess progress on implementation of instructions/requirements stipulated in the notices, directives issued and/or action plans.
(c)(i) The table below depicts the number of reported non-compliant coal and chrome wash plants that have been found in other provinces and (ii) wash plant in the past three years and
(d) the table below also depicts actions taken to rectify the contraventions.
Table 1: Number of non-compliant cases related to Coal and Chrome Wash Plants investigated since April 2021
|
(c)(i) Province |
Number of reported non-compliance cases investigated |
Administrative Enforcement Action (i.e. Notices and Directives |
Administrative Enforcement Actions currently in Process - |
Number of Criminal Cases Opened |
Wash Plant Closed as result of Enforcement Action taken |
|
Gauteng |
1 |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
|
KwaZulu Natal |
9 |
9 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Mpumalanga |
21 |
19 |
- |
2 |
- |
|
North-West |
22 |
11 |
8 |
- |
2 |
|
(c)(i) Total |
53 |
40 |
8 |
2 |
2 |
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07 November 2023 - NW3261
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What (a) time frames have been put in place by his department to resolve the water challenges which are currently being experienced by residents of Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the Emakhazeni Local Municipality in Mpumalanga and (b) are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has put in place the following interventions to address water supply challenges in the various Wards within the Emakhazeni Local Municipality:
|
Ward |
Water supply status and Challenges |
Plans and Time Frames |
|
1; 2; 8 |
The wards comprise parts of Siyathuthuka township and farming areas The municipality supplies these wards through the municipal water supply system in the township and boreholes/ground water in the farms/rural areas. Siyathuthuka township is serviced through the Belfast Water Treatment Works with a design capacity of 4 ML/D which is shared with ward 2, 3 and 8. Belfast is abstracting the raw water from the Belfast dam. The total estimated demand as per the areas serviced by the plant is 5.2 Ml/d against the 4 Ml/d design capacity of the plant. The farms are supplied with water through boreholes/ground and water tankering. Inadequate water infrastructure in the farms/rural areas. |
Upgrading of the Belfast Water Treatment Works (WTW) from 4 ML/D to 8ML/D. The project is currently at procurement stage implemented by the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport. Start Date: January 2024 End Date: March 2025 |
|
4 |
Ward 4 comprises of Dullstroom town, Sakhelwe township and farming areas. Both Dullstroom town and Sakhelwe are serviced by the Dullstroom Water Treatment Works. The plant abstracts raw water from the Dullstroom Dam which has a design capacity of 2 Ml/d. Farming areas receives water through boreholes and water tankering in particular where the water infrastructure is inadequate. Inability to retain sufficient raw water in the Dullstroom dam due to the leaking and collapsed spillway. Water rationing is currently being implemented as a short-term intervention for water supply to the community |
Upgrading of Dullstroom WTW Project funded through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant. Start Date: July 2024 End Date: June 2025 Drilling of a borehole and provision of storage facility in Meschunfontein (Tonteindoos) farm funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant. This project is currently at design stage. Start Date: January 2024 End Date: June 2024 |
|
5; 6 |
The ward comprises parts of Emthonjeni township and farming areas The municipality supplies this ward through both conventional water supply in the township and boreholes/ground water in the farms/rural area. Emthonjeni township is serviced through Machardodorp WTW with a design capacity of 2.7 Ml/d which is shared with parts of Ward 6 (Entokozweni town). The Machardodop WTW abstracts raw water from Elands River. The total estimated demand as per the areas that are serviced by the plant is 3.5 Ml/D. Upgrading of the Machardodorp WTW is incomplete due to budget constraints Inadequate water infrastructure in the farming areas |
Upgrading of the Machardodorp WTW project from 2,7Ml/d to 4Ml/d. Start Date: July 2024 End Date: June 2025 |
|
7 |
Emgwenya town and township are both supplied with water through Waterval Boven WTW. The plant draws water from Elands River through rising main. Waterval Boven WTW has a design capacity of 3 Ml/d against the estimated current demand of 2,2 ML/D which depicts a surplus of +0.8 Ml/d. Interrupted water supply is experienced during load shedding or power outage due to lack of stand by generator at the raw water pump station and Waterval Boven WTW. Plans are in place for the procurement of stand by generators which are prioritized in the 2024/2025 financial year. |
Procurement and Installation of standby generators. Start Date: February 2024 End Date: June 2024 |
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07 November 2023 - NW3205
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)With reference to the incomplete Vlakfontein site that is part of efforts by Rand Water to augment its water storage, which broke ground on 12 May 2020 and was expected to be completed on 25 April 2023, on what date will the project be completed; (2) with reference to the Zuikerbosch Water Treatment facility which is continuously being affected by power failure, with areas that receive water from Vlakfontein reservoir having had very low pressure and/or no water, what are the reasons for the lack of communication and/or feedback on the specified water outages and/or restrictions; (3) what are the reasons that the (a) water shortages experienced in the specified areas continue and (b) reservoir is never above 50% capacity; (4) what are the reasons that the Vlakfontein 3 reservoir has not been brought online?
Reply:
1. The Vlakfontein Reservoir was substantially completed on the 31 March 2023. Subsequently, it had to be filled to full capacity to test for leaks and to allow for backfilling around the reservoir which was completed on the 20 September 2023. The reservoir was then commissioned on the 21 September 2023 for normal operations.
2. Two major water outages affected the Mapleton System supply (which supplies Vlakfontein) because of power failures at Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant. These water outages were promptly communicated to customers through various media platforms. Unfortunately, power failures cannot be communicated in advance as they are not planned. The system has however experienced multiple and extended power failures at Mapleton Pumping Station which receives power from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Rand Water is in the process of installing generators at Mapleton Pumping Station which will be used as alternative power supply. The full commissioning of the generators is planned for first quarter of 2024.
3. There are municipal areas that are dependent on Rand Water’s reservoir levels being high. These areas will then get affected if reservoir levels are lower. Reservoir levels depends on consumption downstream as well as consistent pumping/supply. Besides failures experienced at Zuikerbosch and Mapleton Pumping Station; the municipalities have also been consuming more than what was allocated to them and as a result depleting the reservoir storages. Ideally, municipalities are also expected to have booster pumping stations to counteract reliance on higher Rand Water reservoir levels.
4. Please refer to the answer provided under Question 1.
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07 November 2023 - NW3277
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Considering the environmental impact of the depletion of underground water sources due to water sources being overutilised by gum plantations owned by Sappi, which disadvantages communities living in and around the plantations, how does his department monitor and/or oversee the use of water so that the usage of water is not skewed in favour of large corporations such as Sappi?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) manages use of water resources by commercial afforestation where this activity is declared as engaging in a streamflow reduction activity (SFRA) as contemplated in s36(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) (NWA) from the water use authorisation process. Upon receipt of a water use licence application for s21(d) water use (SFRA), the Department undertakes technical assessment to estimate the impacts associated with the activity on the water resource and any decision to issue a water use licence is based on sustainable water availability. The application must satisfy the requirements of the Reserve, both ecological and basic human needs, and where a water use licence is granted, conditions are attached to ensure that efficiency, equity, and sustainability in the use of water resources are promoted throughout the project’s lifetime.
The impact of commercial forestry plantations on surface water resources has been researched extensively, and impact assessment tools have been developed and are being applied in the water use authorisation processes. However, in recent decades, researchers have also shown interest of studying the impact of commercial forestry plantations on groundwater resources. These studies show that commercial afforestation trees may influence evapotranspiration rates and deep roots, lowering groundwater water tables. These studies make recommendations which are considered in the authorisation process.
The other factors considered when authorising a water use for commercial forestry plantations are found in s27(1) of the NWA, where factors, including the need to redress the results of past racial and gender discrimination, and efficient and beneficial use of water in the public interest are considered. These factors ensure that when allocating water resources, the principle of fair allocation is considered for equitable water allocation.
Water use authorisation instruments issued by the Department are continuously monitored for compliance by the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement component of the Department to ensure that water users comply with the conditions attached to their water use entitlements and any best management practices (SFRA best management practices) recommended for the sector. Compliance is assessed via the auditing process and corrective actions are addressed as enabled by the NWA.
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30 October 2023 - NW3241
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What total number of water treatment and/or purification plants in the Republic are (a) fully compliant with all applicable legislation and (b) totally dysfunctional?
Reply:
The Department has conducted the Blue Drop audit/assessment in 2022/2023 and is currently in the process of finalising the Blue Drop report. The full Blue Drop report will be released by mid-November 2023. The assessments covered all 140 municipalities, and bulk water service providers.
The Blue Drop Watch interim report was released in June 2023 to keep the public and stakeholders informed on the current status of drinking water, and to provide the regulator with information to enact the appropriate enforcement and rectification interventions. The Blue Drop Watch Report focuses on the current condition of drinking water infrastructure and treatment processes from a technical perspective. This report gives an overview of the field work and technical assessments by Blue Drop inspectors during the period November 2022 to February 2023.
There are nine hundred thirty-five (935) water treatment works registered on the departmental system called Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS). During the Blue Drop Watch Report audit, 151 water supply systems were inspected {Technical Site Assessment (TSA)} as a representative overview of water supply systems.
The TSA has established that there were five (5) water supply systems found to be in a critical state of performance. The affected water services institutions where five (5) water supply systems were identified to be critical, were requested to submit corrective action plans.
a) Fifty-Four Water Supply Systems were found to have excellent or good states of performance (%TSA >80%) from the 151 inspected as indicated as Annexure A
b) Five Water Supply Systems were found at critical states of performance (%TSA <30%) from 151 inspected as indicated as Annexure B
---00O00---
Annexure A
Fifty-Four (54) Water Supply Systems at excellent and good condition (%TSA >80%) from the 151 inspected
|
# |
Province |
WSA |
WSP/ Water Board |
TSA WTW |
%TSA |
|
1 |
EC |
Ndlambe LM |
Cannon Rocks/Boknes |
92% |
|
|
2 |
Kouga LM |
Jeffreys Bay |
91% |
||
|
3 |
Nelson Mandela Bay MM |
Linton |
87% |
||
|
4 |
OR Tambo DM |
Thornhill |
86% |
||
|
5 |
Buffalo City MM |
Umzonyana |
85% |
||
|
6 |
Chris Hani DM |
Tsomo |
85% |
||
|
7 |
Buffalo City MM |
Amatola WB |
Nahoon |
86% |
|
|
8 |
Dr Beyers Naude LM |
Graaf Reinet |
80% |
||
|
9 |
Joe Gqabi DM |
Barkley East |
83% |
||
|
10 |
FS |
Kopanong LM |
|
Bethulie |
95% |
|
11 |
Matjhabeng LM |
Bloem Water |
Virginia |
88% |
|
|
12 |
Nala LM |
Bloem Water |
Balkfontein |
82% |
|
|
13 |
Tswelopele LM |
Hoopstad |
82% |
||
|
14 |
Setsoto LM |
Ficksburg |
81% |
||
|
15 |
Letsemeng LM |
Jacobsdal |
81% |
||
|
16 |
GP |
Emfuleni LM |
Rand Water |
Vereeniging |
97% |
|
17 |
City of Tshwane MM |
Magalies Water |
Cullinan |
94% |
|
|
18 |
City of Johannesburg MM |
Illovo Command Reservoirs |
89% |
||
|
19 |
City of Ekurhuleni MM |
Impala Park Reservoirs |
84% |
||
|
20 |
Emfuleni LM |
Vaaloewer |
81% |
||
|
21 |
Midvaal LM |
Vaal Marina |
81% |
||
|
22 |
KZN |
Msunduzi LM |
Umgeni Water |
Umsunduzi |
95% |
|
23 |
Mhlathuze LM |
Mhlathuze Water |
Nsezi |
90% |
|
|
24 |
uThukela DM |
Ladysmith |
87% |
||
|
25 |
Newcastle LM |
uThukela Water |
Ngagane |
87% |
|
|
26 |
Umzinyathi DM |
Vants Drift |
80% |
||
|
27 |
LP |
Lephalale LM |
EXXARO |
Zeeland |
86% |
|
28 |
MP |
City of Mbombela |
Nelspruit New |
92% |
|
|
29 |
Thembisile Hani LM |
Bundu |
88% |
||
|
30 |
Steve Tshwete LM |
Vaalbank |
87% |
||
|
31 |
Dr JS Moroka LM |
Weltevreden |
86% |
||
|
32 |
Bushbuckridge LM |
Inyaka |
84% |
||
|
33 |
NC |
Tsantsabane LM |
Bloem Water |
Vaal Gamagara |
94% |
|
34 |
Hantam LM |
Calvinia |
94% |
||
|
35 |
David Kruiper LM |
AH September |
84% |
||
|
36 |
Karoo Hoogland LM |
Sutherland Desalination Plant |
80% |
||
|
37 |
NW |
City of Matlosana LM |
Midvaal Water |
Midvaal |
95% |
|
38 |
JB Marks LM |
Potchefstroom |
94% |
||
|
39 |
Ngaka Modiri Molema DM |
Mmabatho |
88% |
||
|
40 |
Rustenburg LM |
Bospoort |
81% |
||
|
41 |
WC |
City of Cape Town MM |
Faure |
98% |
|
|
42 |
Cape Agulhas LM |
Bredasdorp |
96% |
||
|
43 |
Drakenstein LM |
Welvanpas |
96% |
||
|
44 |
Saldanha Bay LM |
WCDM Bulk Supplier |
Withoogte |
95% |
|
|
45 |
Overstrand LM |
Preekstoel |
94% |
||
|
46 |
City of Cape Town MM |
Overberg WB |
Steenbras |
93% |
|
|
47 |
Swartland LM |
WCDM Bulk Supplier |
Swartland LM |
92% |
|
|
48 |
Breede Valley LM |
De Koppen |
90% |
||
|
49 |
Bergrivier LM |
Piketberg |
88% |
||
|
50 |
George LM |
George New |
84% |
||
|
51 |
Theewaterskloof LM |
Overberg WB |
Ruensveld West |
82% |
|
|
52 |
Theewaterskloof LM |
Grabouw |
82% |
||
|
53 |
Bitou LM |
Plettenberg Bay |
80% |
||
|
54 |
Mosselbay LM |
Kleinbrak |
80% |
Annexure B
Five (5) Water Supply Systems at Critical State (%TSA <30%) from 151 inspected.
|
# |
Province |
WSA |
WSP/ Water Board |
TSA WTW |
%TSA |
|
1 |
FS |
Nketoana LM |
Reitz |
28% |
|
|
2 |
Masilonyana LM |
Winburg |
30% |
||
|
3 |
LP |
Thabazimbi LM |
Magalies Water |
Thabazimbi |
24% |
|
4 |
NC |
Kareeberg LM |
Carnarvon Borehole |
28% |
|
|
5 |
NW |
Dr Ruth S Mompati DM |
Bogosing |
18% |
30 October 2023 - NW3240
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What total number of wastewater treatment facilities in the Republic are (a) fully compliant with all applicable legislation and (b) totally dysfunctional?
Reply:
The Department has conducted the Green Drop (GD) audit which sought to identify and develop the core competencies that, if strengthened, would gradually and sustainably improve the standard of wastewater management in South Africa. The audit measures and compares the results of the performance of Water Service Institutions, and subsequently rewards or penalises)the institution based on evidence of excellence or failures when measured against the defined standards. The Green Drop report was released in June 2022 indicating the following:
(a) The total number of Wastewater Treatment facilities that are in excellent and good state (GD score >80%) in the Republic are 119 as indicated in Annexure A.
(b) The total number of Wastewater Treatment facilities that are in a critical state GD score <31% in the Republic are 334 as indicated in Annexure B.
---00O00--
ANNEXURE A
LIST OF WASTEWATER SYSTEMS PERFORMED EXCELLENT AND GOOD ACCORDING TO THE GREEN DROP 2022 REPORT
|
Water Service Institutions |
Wastewater Treatment Works with GD score >80% |
|
Western Cape |
74 |
|
Witzenberg LM |
Ceres |
|
Op die berg |
|
|
Tulbach |
|
|
Wolsely |
|
|
Bitou LM |
Plettenberg-Bitou |
|
Kurland |
|
|
Drakenstein LM |
Hermon |
|
Paarl |
|
|
Wellington |
|
|
Saron |
|
|
Gouda |
|
|
Kliprug-Pearl Valley-Val de Vie |
|
|
Saldanha Bay LM |
Hopefield |
|
St Helena Bay |
|
|
Langebaan |
|
|
Paternoster |
|
|
Saldanha |
|
|
Shellypoint |
|
|
Vredenburg |
|
|
City of Cape Town MM
|
Green Point Outfall |
|
Houtbay |
|
|
Philadelphia |
|
|
Wesfleur Domestic |
|
|
Westfleur Industrial |
|
|
Athlone |
|
|
Macassar-Strand |
|
|
Mitchells Plain |
|
|
Borcherd's Quarry |
|
|
Potsdam-Milnerton |
|
|
Melkbosstrand |
|
|
Fisantekraal |
|
|
Zandvliet |
|
|
Gordons Bay |
|
|
Cape Flats |
|
|
Belville |
|
|
Kraaifontein |
|
|
Klipheuwel |
|
|
Scottsdene |
|
|
Camps Bay |
|
|
Llandudno |
|
|
Oudekraal |
|
|
Simons Town |
|
|
Wildevoëlsvlei |
|
|
Millerspoint |
|
|
Mossel Bay LM |
Herbertsdale |
|
Mossel Bay-Hartenbos |
|
|
Brandwag |
|
|
Friemersheim Western Works |
|
|
Overstrand LM |
Gansbaai |
|
Stanford |
|
|
Hermanus |
|
|
Hawston |
|
|
Kleinmond |
|
|
Pearly Beach |
|
|
Swartland LM |
Riebeeck Valley |
|
Chartsworth |
|
|
Malmesbury-Abbotsdale |
|
|
Kalbaskraal |
|
|
Darling |
|
|
Moreesburg |
|
|
Breede Valley LM |
Worcester |
|
Berg River LM |
Poterville |
|
George LM |
Herolds Bay |
|
Stellenbosch LM |
Stellenbosch |
|
Wemmershoek |
|
|
Pniel |
|
|
Klapmuts |
|
|
Theewaterskloof LM |
Caledon |
|
Botriver |
|
|
Grabouw |
|
|
Riviersondererend |
|
|
Genadendal |
|
|
Villiersdorp |
|
|
Greyton |
|
|
GAUTENG |
20 |
|
City of Ekurhuleni MM |
Rondebult |
|
Herbert Bickley |
|
|
JP Marais |
|
|
Esther Park |
|
|
Carl Grundling |
|
|
Daveyton |
|
|
Tsakane |
|
|
Hartebeesfontein |
|
|
Welgedacht |
|
|
Benoni |
|
|
Rynfield |
|
|
Ancor |
|
|
Waterval |
|
|
Jan Smuts |
|
|
Vlaakplats |
|
|
Dekema |
|
|
Olifantsfontein |
|
|
City of Johannesburg MM |
Driefontein |
|
Lesedi LM |
Ratanda |
|
Heidelburg |
|
|
KWAZULU NATAL |
17 |
|
iLembe DM |
Frasers |
|
Shakaskraal |
|
|
uMgungundlovu DM
|
Cool Air |
|
Camperdown |
|
|
Appelbosch Hospital |
|
|
Richmond |
|
|
Mpofana (Mooi River) |
|
|
Howick |
|
|
Harry Gwala DM |
Ixopo |
|
Ethekwini MM |
Umdloti |
|
Genazzano |
|
|
Verulum |
|
|
Phoenix |
|
|
Dasenhoek |
|
|
Kingsburgh |
|
|
Magabeni |
|
|
Msunduzi LM |
Lynnfield Park |
|
NORTHWEST |
1 |
|
J B Marks |
Potchefstroom |
|
MPUMALANGA |
7 |
|
Steve Tshwete LM |
KwaZamokuhle-Hendrina |
|
Blinkpan-Mine village |
|
|
Komati |
|
|
Boskrans |
|
|
MBOMBELA MM |
Kingstonvale |
|
Kanyamazane |
|
|
Matsulu |
ANNEXURE B
LIST OF CRITICAL WASTEWATER SYSTEM AS INDICATED IN THE 2022 GREEN DROP REPORT
|
WSIs Water Service Institutions |
Wastewater Treatment Works with GD score <31% |
|
WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE |
18 |
|
Beaufort West LM |
Murraysburg |
|
Langeburg LM |
Robertson |
|
Hessequa LM |
Garcia |
|
Kannaland LM
|
Ladismith |
|
Calitzdorp |
|
|
Van Wyksdorp |
|
|
Zoar |
|
|
Matzikama LM
|
Vredendal North |
|
Strandfontein |
|
|
Van Rhynsdorp |
|
|
Rietpoort |
|
|
Nuwerus |
|
|
Prince Albert LM
|
Prince Albert |
|
Klaarstroom |
|
|
Leeugamka |
|
|
Swellendam LM
|
Buffelsjagsrivier |
|
Barrydale |
|
|
Klipperivier |
|
|
EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE |
48 |
|
Alfred Nzo DM |
Cedarville |
|
Blue Crane LM |
Cookhouse |
|
Pearston |
|
|
Somerset East |
|
|
Dr Beyers Naude LM
|
Graaf Reinet |
|
Aberdeen |
|
|
Nieu Bethesda |
|
|
Jansenville |
|
|
Klipplaats |
|
|
Steytleville |
|
|
Willowmore |
|
|
Rietbron |
|
|
Chris Hani DM
|
Dordrect |
|
Lady Frere |
|
|
Kouga LM
|
Hankey |
|
Kruisfontein |
|
|
Loerie |
|
|
Humansdorp |
|
|
St Francis Bay |
|
|
Jeffreys Bay |
|
|
Thornhill |
|
|
KouKamma LM
|
Coldstream 1 |
|
Misgund |
|
|
Sandrift-Mandela Park-Nompumelelo |
|
|
Storms River West |
|
|
Woodlands |
|
|
Clarkson |
|
|
Kareedouw-Melkhoutskraal |
|
|
Joubertina-Twee Riviere-Ravinia |
|
|
Krakeel River |
|
|
Louterwater |
|
|
Blikkiesdorp |
|
|
Coldstream 2 / Laurel Ridge |
|
|
Makana LM
|
Mayfield |
|
Belmont Valley |
|
|
Alicedale |
|
|
Ndlambe LM
|
Alexandria-KwaNonkqubela |
|
Bathurst-Nolukhanyo |
|
|
Port Alfred |
|
|
Boesmans River Mouth-Marcelle |
|
|
Ekuphunleni-Kenton on Sea |
|
|
Rosehill Mall |
|
|
OR Tambo DM
|
Tsolo |
|
Port St Johns |
|
|
Sundays River Valley LM
|
Enon-Bethesda |
|
Addo |
|
|
Kirkwood |
|
|
Paterson |
|
|
NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE |
59 |
|
Dikgatlong LM
|
Delportshoop-Longlands |
|
Barkley West |
|
|
Windsorton |
|
|
Emthanjeni LM
|
Britstown |
|
De Aar |
|
|
Hanover |
|
|
Ga-Segonyana LM
|
Kuruman |
|
Mothibistad |
|
|
Gamagara LM
|
Dibeng |
|
Olifantshoek |
|
|
Kathu |
|
|
Hantam LM |
Brandvlei |
|
Joe Morolong LM
|
Van Zylrust |
|
Hotazel |
|
|
Kamiesberg LM
|
Garies |
|
Kamieskroon |
|
|
Kareeberg LM
|
Vosburg |
|
Vanwyksvlei |
|
|
Karoo Hoogland LM
|
Fraserburg |
|
Sutherland |
|
|
Williston |
|
|
Kgatelopele LM |
Danielskuil |
|
Khai-Ma LM
|
Pofadder |
|
Aggenys |
|
|
Pella |
|
|
Onseepkans |
|
|
!Kai !Garib LM
|
Kakamas |
|
Kenhardt |
|
|
Keimoes |
|
|
Vredesvallei |
|
|
!Kheis LM
|
Brandboom |
|
Groblershoop |
|
|
Wegdraai |
|
|
Topline |
|
|
Grootdrink |
|
|
Magareng LM |
Warrenton |
|
Nama Khoi LM
|
Carolusberg |
|
Concordia |
|
|
Nababeep |
|
|
Okiep |
|
|
Springbok |
|
|
Kommagas |
|
|
Phokwane LM
|
Hartswater |
|
Jan Kempdorp |
|
|
Pampierstad |
|
|
Renosterberg LM
|
Petrusville |
|
Vanderkloof |
|
|
Philipstown |
|
|
Richtersveld LM |
Port Nolloth |
|
Siyancuma LM
|
Griekwastad |
|
Schmidtsdrift |
|
|
Sol Plaatjie LM |
Richie-Rietvale |
|
Tsantsabane LM |
Jenhaven |
|
Ubuntu LM
|
Loxton |
|
Richmond |
|
|
Victoria West |
|
|
Umsobomvu LM
|
Colesburg |
|
Norvalspont |
|
|
Noupoort |
|
|
GAUTENG PROVINCE |
9 |
|
City of Tshwane Metro |
Klipgat |
|
Lesedi LM |
Devon |
|
Rand West LM
|
Randfontein |
|
Hannes van Niekerk |
|
|
Merafong LM
|
Khutsong |
|
Kokosi-Fochville |
|
|
Murray & Roberts |
|
|
Wedela |
|
|
Welverdiend |
|
|
KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE |
20 |
|
Amajuba DM |
Durnacol |
|
uMkhanyakude DM
|
St Lucia |
|
Bethesda-Ubombo |
|
|
Hluhluwe |
|
|
Ingwavuma-Mosvold |
|
|
Mtubatuba |
|
|
Hlabisa Hospital |
|
|
Mseleni Hospital |
|
|
Umzinyathi DM
|
Dundee |
|
Nqutu Ponds |
|
|
Pomeroy |
|
|
Tugela Ferry |
|
|
Greytown |
|
|
Zululand DM
|
Vryheid-Klipfontein |
|
Coronation |
|
|
Cliffdale - Vrede |
|
|
Mlokothwa |
|
|
Nkongolwane |
|
|
Enyathi |
|
|
Hlobane |
|
|
FREE STATE PROVINCE |
64 |
|
Kopanong LM
|
Fauresmith |
|
Gariep Dam |
|
|
Jagersfontein |
|
|
Reddersburg |
|
|
Letsemeng LM
|
Koffiefontein |
|
Oppermansgronde |
|
|
Mafube LM
|
Namahadi |
|
Villiers/Qalabotjha |
|
|
Frankfort |
|
|
Tweeling |
|
|
Cornelia |
|
|
Maluti-a-Phofung LM
|
Elandsriver |
|
Kestell |
|
|
Makwane/Matsegeng |
|
|
Moeding |
|
|
Phuthaditjhaba |
|
|
Tshiame |
|
|
Wilge/Harrismith |
|
|
Mangaung LM
|
BFN - Northern Works |
|
BFN-Bloemdustria |
|
|
Soutpan |
|
|
Dewetsdorp |
|
|
Van Stadensrus |
|
|
Wepener |
|
|
Mantsopa LM
|
Excelsior |
|
Ladybrand |
|
|
Tweespruit |
|
|
Masilonyana LM
|
Brandfort |
|
Theunissen-Masilo |
|
|
Winburg |
|
|
Matjhabeng LM
|
Allanridge |
|
Hennenman |
|
|
Mmamahabane |
|
|
Odendaalsrus |
|
|
Phomolong |
|
|
Thabong |
|
|
Theronia |
|
|
Ventersburg |
|
|
Virginia |
|
|
Witpan |
|
|
Mohokare LM
|
Rouxville |
|
Smithfield |
|
|
Zastron |
|
|
Nala LM
|
Bothaville |
|
Wesselsbron |
|
|
Monyakeng |
|
|
Ngwathe LM
|
Parys |
|
Vredefort |
|
|
Koppies |
|
|
Heilbron |
|
|
Edenville |
|
|
Nketoana LM |
Lindley/Ntha |
|
Phumulela LM
|
Vrede |
|
Warden |
|
|
Memel |
|
|
Setsoto LM
|
Ficksburg |
|
Clocolan |
|
|
Marquard New |
|
|
Tswelopele LM |
Hoopstad |
|
Moqhaka LM
|
Kroonstad |
|
Steynsrus |
|
|
Viljoenskroon |
|
|
Metsimaholo LM |
Deneysville-Refengkgotso |
|
Oranjeville |
|
|
LIMPOPO PROVINCE |
50 |
|
Bela Bela LM |
Pienaars Rivier |
|
Raduim |
|
|
Capricorn DM |
Senwabarwana Ponds |
|
Mogwadi Ponds |
|
|
Greater Sekhukhune DM |
Dennilton |
|
Motetema Ponds |
|
|
Roosenekal |
|
|
Monsterlus-Hlogotlou |
|
|
Elandkraal |
|
|
Leeufontein-Mokganyak |
|
|
Phokwane Ponds |
|
|
Nebo Ponds |
|
|
Mecklenburg-Moroke Ponds |
|
|
Tubatse Ponds |
|
|
Mapodile |
|
|
Penge |
|
|
Lephalale LM |
Witpoort |
|
Zongesien |
|
|
Modimolle-Mookgopong LM |
Vaalwater-Mabatlane |
|
Mookgophong Naboomspruit |
|
|
Roedtan-Thusang Ponds |
|
|
Mogalakwena LM |
Mokopane Old & New |
|
Mosadi Ponds |
|
|
Rebone Ponds |
|
|
Mopani DM |
Giyani |
|
Ga-Kgapane |
|
|
Senwamokgope Ponds |
|
|
Phalaborwa |
|
|
Namakgale |
|
|
Lulekane |
|
|
Lenyenye |
|
|
Nkowankowa |
|
|
Polokwane LM |
Seshego |
|
Mankweng |
|
|
Thabazimbi LM |
Thabazimbi |
|
Northam |
|
|
Rooiberg |
|
|
Vhembe DM |
Rietvlei |
|
Louis Trichardt-Makhado |
|
|
Biaba-Dzanani Ponds (Makhado) |
|
|
Hlanganani Ponds |
|
|
Vleifontein Ponds |
|
|
Vuwani Ponds |
|
|
Waterval-Makhado |
|
|
Mutale Ponds |
|
|
Malameule |
|
|
Tsifulananie Ponds |
|
|
Mhinga |
|
|
Musina |
|
|
Nancefield |
|
|
MPUMALANGA PROVINCE |
33 |
|
Albert Luthuli LM |
Mpuluzi-Mayflower |
|
Elukwatini-Eerstehoek |
|
|
Ekulendeni-Kromdraai |
|
|
Badplaas |
|
|
Carolina |
|
|
Bushbuckridge LM |
Dwarsloop |
|
Maviljan |
|
|
Tintswalo |
|
|
Mkhuhlu |
|
|
Thulamahashe |
|
|
Emalahleni LM |
Thubelihle |
|
Lekwa LM |
Standerton |
|
Morgenzon |
|
|
Thaba Chweu LM |
Lydenburg |
|
Sabie |
|
|
Graskop |
|
|
Coromandel |
|
|
Msukaligwa LM
|
Breyton Ponds |
|
KwaZanele-Breyton AS |
|
|
Ermelo New |
|
|
Lothair |
|
|
Chrissiesmeer |
|
|
Davel |
|
|
Sheepmoor |
|
|
Dipaleseng LM |
Balfour |
|
Grootvlei Eskom |
|
|
Greylingstad |
|
|
Grootvlei Mine |
|
|
Pixley Ka Seme LM |
Amersfoort |
|
Perdekop |
|
|
Volksrust |
|
|
Vukuzakhe |
|
|
Wakkerstroom |
|
|
NORTHWEST PROVINCE |
33 |
|
Dr Ruth Segomotso Mompati |
Vryburg |
|
Schweizer Reneke |
|
|
Stella |
|
|
Taung Hospital |
|
|
Taung Station |
|
|
Diplankeni/Mogogong |
|
|
Maganeng/Pudimoe |
|
|
Reivilo |
|
|
Kgetleng River LM |
Koster AS |
|
Swartruggens |
|
|
Koster Ponds |
|
|
Mazista |
|
|
Madibeng LM |
Mothotlung |
|
Eagles Landing |
|
|
Sunway |
|
|
Maquassi Hills LM |
Leeudoringstad |
|
Wolmaranstad |
|
|
Moretele LM |
Swartdam |
|
Moses Kotane LM |
Mogwase |
|
Madikwe |
|
|
Ngaka Modiri Molema DM
|
Coligny |
|
Lichtenburg |
|
|
Itsoseng |
|
|
Mahikeng |
|
|
Mmabatho |
|
|
Lehurutshe-Welbedacht |
|
|
Zeerust |
|
|
Delareyville |
|
|
Sannieshof |
|
|
Ottosdal |
|
|
Atamelang |
|
|
Groot Marico |
|
|
Itekeng Ponds |
|
|
Grand total |
334 |
23 October 2023 - NW2840
Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether all water service authorities (WSA) have submitted their audit reports in terms of section 18(1) of the Water Services Act, Act 108 of 1997; if not, why not; if so, (a) which authority has not submitted its audit, (b) for what period has it not submitted audit reports and (c) what remedial action has been taken regarding the failure to submit an audit report; (2) whether he will furnish Mr J F Smalle with an analysis of each WSA in the (a) 2021-22 and (b) 2022-23 financial years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Section 18 (1) of the Water Services Act, Act 108 of 1997 states that a Water Services Authority must report on the implementation of its development plan during each financial year. The reports must be made within four months after the end of each financial year and must be given to the Minister for Provincial Affairs and Constitutional Development, the relevant Province and every organisation representing municipalities having jurisdiction in the area of the water services authority.
Such reports are not submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), but rather to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
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10 October 2023 - NW2527
Marawu, Ms TL to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department (a) intends building clean, safe and usable toilets and (b) provide clean and running water for the community at Smith’s Mine in Barkley West (details furnished); if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the (i) relevant details and (ii) time frames in each case?
Reply:
Dikgatlong Local Municipality is a Water Service Authority and therefore is responsible for the provision of water and sanitation services to all communities within its area of jurisdiction, including Smith Mine which is a Communal Property Association (CPA). There is currently is no Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the CPA and Dikgatlong Municipality.
The municipality reported that the councilor is mediating for an SLA to be put in place to allow Dikgatlong to formally service these residents. Once the SLA is in finalised, formal arrangements will be made in terms of resources required from the Dikgatlong Local Municipality to provide water and sanitation services.
a) The Department supports the water services authority with construction, upgarde and refurbishment of infrastructure through conditional Water Services Iinfrastructure Grant (WSIG) and Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) funding for project prioritised by Municpalities their water services development plans.
The Municipality and the Smith Mine community require a process of formalisation of the settlement into the township in order for the municipality to access the grant funding available for sanitation services.
b) The existing water infrastructure in the community was built by the mining company and is now under the custodianship of The Dikgatlong Local Municipality. The water supply system consists of boreholes and a reservoir in which chemical dosing was being done using a specialized purification system that is container based. The size of the reservoir is approximately 0.05ml/day, however, the municipality has reported that the purification plant was vandalised and is currently not functional. A case of vandalism and theft was opened by the Dikgatlong Local Municipality with SAPS. The Municipality has reported that procurement processess are currently underway for the repairs of the plant in order to restore water supply.
As an interim measure, the municipality is providing water to the residents of Smith Mine through water tankering from Barkley West Water Treatment Works. Two 10 000 litres water tanks are placed at strategic points and are filled by two 10 000 litre water trucks. The Municipality reports that water tanks are filled twice a week, and when necessary the ward councillor communicates any additional needs. The water tankering is fully funded by Dikgatlong.
In order for the municipality to access grant funding for water services refurbishment, augmentation or upgrading, the requirement is that the residential area be a formal township.
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10 October 2023 - NW2626
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light of the dire situation in Emfuleni Local Municipality where thousands of residents lack access to water despite over R65 million being paid to contractors, what are the details of the oversight mechanisms his department has in place to ensure that funds allocated for water services are effectively utilised and that such critical service delivery failures are addressed promptly?
Reply:
The department has not paid R65 million to contractors for water services in Emfuleni Local Municipality, and neither has Rand Water. Rand Water has been paying contractors to work on waste water treatment systems in Emfuleni. It is possible that Emfuleni Local Municipality might have appointed contractors to work on its water systems using its own funds, but DWS would not have this information.
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10 October 2023 - NW2963
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the cash-strapped City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, what are the relevant details of the immediate interventions and support measures that he has put in place to assist the municipality in overcoming the pressing issues and ensuring uninterrupted access to water services for its residents?
Reply:
The interventions that have been put in place by the Department of Water and Sanitation to assist the City of Tshwane (CoT) with the challenges relating to water services include the following interventions:
a) The Department has issued a directive to Magalies Water Board as per Section 41 of the Water Services Act,1997; for short to medium term measures to address water challenges in Hammaskraal while government is looking at a long-term solution.
b) Magalies Water Board has presented a proposal to the Department in the form of a business plan, which amongst others, proposes the construction of a water treatment package plant to provide immediate relief. The package plant will be situated at Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant premises.
c) The package plant will produce drinking water on a gradual basis water starting with 10 Ml/day up 40Ml/day which will be connected to the Temba water reticulation system. It is envisaged that the project will start delivering at least 10 Ml /day by end of March 2024.
d) An amount of R480 million has been availed by DWS through the budget adjustment (pending National Treasury approval) to ensure that this business plan is implemented by Magalies Water Board.
e) Furthermore, Magalies Water has applied to the DBSA for a loan for the remainder of the funding that is required to construct the package plant – this is pending approval from DBSA. In the meantime, Magalies Water is proceeding with planning and design work for the package plant to ensure that timeline committed is met.
f) As a result of the non-compliance of the Rooivaal waste water treatment works (WWTW) which might have resulted in the cholera outbreak, the city of Tshwane (CoT) has set aside R150 million in the 2023/24 financial year to upgrade and refurbish the Rooiwal wastewater treatment works. This will ensure that phase 1 of the Rooivaal Waste Water Treatment work upgrade is completed.
g) The CoT is finalising the appointment of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as the implementing agent for this phase of the project, while a technical team comprising of the DWS, CoT, Magalies and Rand Water is assessing the overall long-term plan to address the Rooivaal challenges and further improvements to the Temba water treatment works to ensure delivery of portable water which meets drinking water quality standards from the Temba water treatment work to Hamman kraal.
h) In the long term, the CoT is planning to upgrade the Rooivaal WWTW by an additional 80 Megalitres / day which requires close to R 2.5 bn. Currently there is no funding for available this. However, the CoT is approaching various funding institutions soliciting funding.
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10 October 2023 - NW2944
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What long-term plans have been put in place by his department to permanently eradicate the sewerage and stormwater challenges experienced in almost all local municipalities?
Reply:
Although the Water Services Authorities have a duty to maintain a safe environment that is not harmful to people by managing and maintaining the sewerage systems and resolving sewer spillages into the environment, the state of sewerage systems is generally deteriorating, as shown in the 2023 Green Drop Report. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is also compelled by the Constitution to support municipalities and intervene where there is non-compliance with the compulsory national norms and standards.
The DWS has developed the Water Services Improvement Programme to guide, support and strengthen interventions measures that address the decline in water and sanitation services in municipalities. The Water Services Improvement Plan will be implemented within the existing legislative framework and regulations, and it consists of the following interventions amongst others:
a) DWS will issue updated and more comprehensive norms and standards for water and sanitation services in terms of section 9 of the Water Services Act.
b) DWS will publish a National Regulatory Dashboard showing the extent of compliance with national norms and standards for water and sanitation services for all Water Service Authorities, drawing on existing monitoring information, including from the Green Drop reports, National Treasury, and Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs reports. No new additional reporting requirements will be put on municipalities)
c) DWS will develop regional support and intervention plans based on the evidence in the Regulatory Dashboard and standards decision rules, in consultation with provincial governments, municipalities and District Development Model structures.
d) The support and intervention plans will draw on a range of support programmes which will be developed at national level.
e) DWS established the Water Partnerships Office to facilitate partnerships with the private sector in support of water and sanitation services.
The support provided to municipalities does not suspend this Department’s continuous compliance monitoring and enforcement function to deal with those municipalities that ignore their legal obligations in terms of sewer spillages. Stormwater management is the competency of the local government and this Department continues to offer support in strengthening the bylaws to ensure proper stormwater management.
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10 October 2023 - NW2873
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What (a) was found to have been the exact cause of the illness of 78 primary school learners in Tshwane and (b) assurances can he give that it was not related to the quality of tap water?
Reply:
a) The Department of Water and Sanitation advises Honourable member to request the exact cause of illness of 78 primary school learners in City of Tshwane from Department of Health. The name of the Primary School concerned will assist to expedite response.
b) The Department Water and Sanitation collected water samples at strategic points for analysis after the cholera outbreak. The points were Rooiwal discharge point, Apies River abstraction points, water treatment plant, distribution network and points of use. The samples were taken by the Department as well as the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) took additional samples as an independent laboratory. The department laboratory results established that points of abstraction and point of use were compliant with the SANS 241:2015 standard. Therefore, in the absence of confirmation of the exact nature of the illness, the department hereby confirms that water provided through Rand Water pipeline and water tankers is fit for human consumption.
---00O00---
10 October 2023 - NW2872
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)How frequently does he request (a) Blue Drop and (b) Green Drop reports from the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality; (2) whether his department has any monitoring and/or support system to respond to complaints related to Blue Drop and Green Drop reports; if not, why not; if so, on what date were the last such reports published?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is responsible for conducting the Blue and Green Drop assessments which audit water service providers (water and wastewater systems) nationally and compile reports for public consumption. The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is one of the 144 Water Services Authorities audited on its drinking water and wastewater systems countrywide.
1. The full departmental Blue and Green Drop audits are undertaken every two and in alternate years. In a year when the Blue Drop audit is done by the Department on all drinking water systems, the water service authorities conduct a Green Drop self-assessments to determine the risk rating that is reported as a Green Drop Progress Report. In the year when the Green Drop audit is done by the Department on all wastewater systems the water services authorities conduct a Blue Drop self-assessment to determine the risk rating that is reported as a Blue Drop Progress Report.
The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, together with all water services authorities, is required to monitor its drinking water quality in accordance with the national standards (SANS 241) and report the results on the DWS Integrated Regulatory Information System. Where there is non-compliance to the standard that poses a health risk to the community, they are required in terms of the Water Service Act and its norms and standards to notify the DWS as well as the Department of Health and to issue an advisory note to the areas affected. The Blue Drop audit verifies the adherence of water services authorities to these requirements.
The wastewater treatment works are regulated by water use authorisations and the National Water Act. The conditions of these authorisations set the performance conditions and reporting requirements. Compliance to these authorisations is monitored by the Compliance Monitoring unit within the DWS. The Green Drop audit incorporates a component of this work but looks at the complete system performance, financial aspects, and capacity of the water services Authority.
2. Complaints can be reported to the department via its toll-free number 0800 200 200, or email [email protected]. Complaints received are tracked in terms of the response and actions taken or to be taken. Reports are not prepared on these complaints, but the Department publishes the Blue and Green Drop Reports. In early October 2023, the Department will release its Blue Drop Report, the Green Drop Progress Report as well as its Compliance and Enforcement Annual report for 2022/23
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10 October 2023 - NW2864
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What (a) number of members constitute the Regulator Commission and (b) are the detailed reasons for a separate commission being in place whereas there are already internal systems in place to assist with the strengthening and improvement of the regulatory function?
Reply:
a) The Regulator Commission has eleven (11) members.
b) The Commission is not a separate entity. It is established as part of the internal systems to strengthen the regulatory autonomy in decision making. It is for this reason that the commission is provided for in the revised National Water Act and the Water Services Act.
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10 October 2023 - NW2863
Marais, Ms P to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What time frames have been put in place to repair the sewerage plants in Mangaung as they are still not fixed, despite his previous commitments to have them repaired within three months?
Reply:
The response for NA 2230 previously submitted to the National Assembly, was specifically in relation to repairs to the Sterkwater Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) and not all the WWTWs in the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM).
The municipality has indicated that although the programme to restore the Sterkwater WWTW back to functionality is behind schedule, the following progress has been made:
- The municipality is using security cameras and armed response and managed to arrest the crippling cable theft.
- The municipality has started primary treatment of sewers such as mechanical screens and the screw pumps.
- Electric cables have been ordered and will be installed upon arrival. The municipality will begin testing all the stagnant equipment that needs to be repaired. The secondary treatment is affected in the main by this.
The MMM has also reported that instability at senior management level (position of Chief Financial Officer and City Manager) is also contributing to delays in implementation of some of the projects.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) issued a Notice for intention to issue Directive in terms of Section 19(3) of the National Water Act, in July 2023 and will proceed to issue a Directive due to the fact that the Sterkwater WWTW has not been restored to functionality and sewer spillages continue to pollute the environment.
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10 October 2023 - NW2706
Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What (a) is the total number of boreholes drilled by his department in each (i) local and (ii) district municipality in the (aa) 2020-21 and (bb) 2021-22 financial years, (b) amount did each borehole cost his department and (c) was the total volume of water supply added to each municipal jurisdiction?
Reply:
(a) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) does not drill and equip boreholes in local or district municipalities. However, funding is allocated to prioritised district municipalities through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), to accelerate backlog reduction and improve the sustainability of services particularly in rural municipalities.
(aa) In the 2020-2021 financial year, the DWS allocated R 471, 794,000 to various municipalities across the country, for the drilling and equipping of boreholes, mainly in the rural areas.
(bb) During the 2021-22 financial year the department further allocated R 537, 657, 000 towards projects for boreholes across various municipalities.
The funding provided by the DWS to municipalities for boreholes is meant to facilitate quick interventions where there are serious water shortages. It is also intended to ensure water availability in those areas where it is foreseen that construction of bulk infrastructure will take a long time.
However, it should be noted that there are instances where boreholes are drilled, tested, and found not to be viable due to the inability to yield enough water or where boreholes are operational for a limited period before drying up. These include instances where the water tables are low due to inadequate rainfall which prevents groundwater recharge or where localised drought causes a decline in groundwater available for extraction. The DWS may have in some instances funded boreholes in municipalities, which may have not yielded sufficient water to be viable or may have provided water for a limited period before drying up.
(b-c) The DWS can provide the details of funding transferred to municipalities for the drilling of boreholes but is not able to indicate the total volume of water supply added to each municipal jurisdiction through boreholes, due to the factors indicated above.
Information on municipalities that were funded by the DWS for the drilling of boreholes in each province is indicated in the table appended as Annexure A.
---00O00---
ANNEXURE A:
|
No |
Province |
Municipalities funded for boreholes |
Funding provided |
||
|
District Municipalities |
Local Municipalities |
2020/2021 fy |
2021/2022 fy |
||
|
Eastern Cape |
Amathole DM |
Amahlathi, Great Kei, Mbhashe, Mnquma, Ngqushwa and Raymond Mhlaba |
R21,984,000 |
R14,600 |
|
|
Alfred Nzo DM |
Ntabankulu, Matatiele, Mbizana |
R69,000,000 |
R45,000,000 |
||
|
Sarah Bartman District Municipality |
Blue Crane Route |
R5,499,000 |
|||
|
Chris Hani DM |
Emalahleni, Engcobo |
R18,200,000 |
R10,170,000 |
||
|
Joe Gqabi DM |
Senqu, Elundini, and Walter Sisulu |
- |
R10,000,000 |
||
|
Sarah Bartman District Municipality |
Makana |
- |
R5,000,000 |
||
|
OR Tambo DM |
Qumbu, Tsolo, Lusikisiki, Flagstaff, Libode, Ngqeleni, Port St Johns & Mqanduli |
- |
R7,140.000 |
||
|
Sarah Bartman DM |
Dr Beyers Naude |
- |
R11,999,000 |
||
|
Free State |
Xhariep DM |
Letsemeng |
R13,800,000 |
R13,800,000 |
|
|
Thabo Mofutsanyana DM |
Phumelela |
R1,892,000 |
|||
|
Thabo Mofutsanyana DM |
Maluti a Phofung |
R14,127,000 |
|||
|
Lejweleputswa DM |
Tokologo |
R15,921,000 |
|||
|
KwaZulu -Natal |
uMkhanyakude DM |
uMhlabuyalingana Jozini |
R37,164,000 |
R61,288,000 |
|
|
Amajuba DM |
eMadlangeni & Dannhauser |
- |
R3, 000,000 |
||
|
Zululand DM |
Ulundi |
R11,347.000 |
|||
|
Umzinyathi DM |
Msinga |
- |
R38,799,000 |
||
|
Mzimkhulu, Ubuhlebezwe, Dr Nkosazane Dlamini Zuma |
- |
R65,274,000 |
|||
|
King Cetshwayo DM |
Nkandla, uMfolozi |
- |
R18,652,000 |
||
|
Limpopo |
Capricorn DM |
Blouberg |
R27,784,000 |
R13,606,000 |
|
|
Lepelle Nkumpi |
R14,078,000 |
- |
|||
|
Molemole |
R27,983,000 |
R3,800,000 |
|||
|
Polokwane |
R38,000,000 |
R20,976,000 |
|||
|
Mopani LM |
Greater Giyani |
R15,600,000 |
R13,984,000 |
||
|
Greater Letaba |
R15,000,000 |
R18,455,000 |
|||
|
Greater Tzaneen |
R10,000,000 |
- |
|||
|
Ba-Phalaborwa |
R10,000,000 |
- |
|||
|
Maruleng |
R10,000,000 |
- |
|||
|
Waterberg DM |
Lephalale |
- |
R30,114,000 |
||
|
Mogalakwena |
- |
R8,928,000 |
|||
|
Mpumalanga |
Nkangala DM |
Emakhazeni |
R2,500,000 |
- |
|
|
Gert Sibande DM |
Mkhondo |
- |
R23.685,000 |
||
|
Northern Cape |
John Taolo Gaetsewe DM |
Ga-Segonyana |
R16,640,000 |
R952,000 |
|
|
Gamagara |
R11,072,000 |
R5,700,000 |
|||
|
Joe Morolong |
R50,998,000 |
- |
|||
|
Namakwa DM |
Hantam |
R4,200,000 |
R4,000,000 |
||
|
Kamiesberg |
- |
R4,000,000 |
|||
|
Richtersveld |
R5,167,000 |
R11,151,000 |
|||
|
Karoo Hoogland |
- |
R4,000,000 |
|||
|
Pixley Ka Seme DM |
Emthanjeni |
- |
R5,300,000 |
||
|
Ubuntu |
- |
R4,000,000 |
|||
|
ZF Mgcawu DM |
Dawid Kruiper |
- |
R5,186,000 |
||
|
Tsantsabane |
- |
R4,000,000 |
|||
|
North West |
Bojanala Platinum DM |
Kgetlengrivier |
R22,542,000 |
- |
|
|
Dr Ruth S Mompati DM |
Greater Taung |
R1,344,000 |
- |
||
|
Ngaka Modiri Molema DM |
Ramotshere Moiloa |
R11,050,000 |
|||
|
Western Cape |
Garden Route District Municipality |
Kannaland |
R10,000,000 |
R10,000,000 |
|
|
TOTAL |
R 471, 794,000 |
R 497, 657, 000 |
02 October 2023 - NW2987
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
With reference to the draft regulations relating to the Procedural Requirements for Water Use Licence Applications that were published on 19 May 2023, and with regard to water use licences issued in terms of section 21(a) and (b) and section 21(d) of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, to farmers or farming and/or agriculture entities, what (a) is the total number of applications that were received in each category in the past three financial years and (b) number of the specified applications were approved in each specified year (i) within 30 days, (ii) within 60 days, (iii) within 90 days and (iv) after 90 days of receipt thereof?
Reply:
a) The total number of applications that were received in terms of section 21(a) and (b) and section 21(d) from farmers or farming and/or agriculture entities in the past three financial years are indicated in the table below:
|
Year |
Number of received applications |
|
2020 |
395 |
|
2021 |
355 |
|
2022 |
393 |
|
Total |
1143 |
b) The number of the specified applications that were issued with licences in each specified year (i) within 30 days, (ii) within 60 days, (iii) within 90 days and (iv) after 90 days of receipt thereof?
|
Licences issued |
|||||
|
Year of application Submission |
30 days |
60 days |
90 days |
over 90 days |
Total |
|
2020 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
165 |
166 |
|
2021 |
3 |
15 |
26 |
113 |
157 |
|
2022 |
8 |
15 |
11 |
168 |
202 |
|
Total |
11 |
30 |
38 |
446 |
525 |
---00O00---
02 October 2023 - NW3034
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether, in light of the water shortage in the Bojanala district, he will furnish Mrs C Phillips with a copy of the water use licence of a certain company (name and details furnished), which applied for environmental authorisation in terms of section 24G(1) of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, as amended, for an unlawful development of a chrome wash plant on Portion 71 of Farm Groenkloof 464-JQ in Madibeng Local Municipality, North West; if not, (a) why not and (b) what actions will he take against the company for not being in possession of a valid water use licence; if so, on what date?
Reply:
a) According to the records of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), there is no authorisation that has been issued for water use activities associated with a chrome wash plant located on Portion 71 of Farm Groenkloof 464-JQ in Madibeng Local Municipality, North West.
The DWS has taken steps to address the alleged unlawful development of a chrome wash plant on Portion 71 of Farm Groenkloof 464-JQ and has taken the following actions:
- Site investigation was conducted on 19 September 2023
- The DWS is in the process of issuing a Notice of Intention to issue a Directive in terms of National Water Act to the company responsible for the unlawful water use through development of the chrome wash plant.
b) Further administrative action to be taken and compliance with the stipulated timeframe will be guided by the response of the owners of the chrome wash plant. Should the owners of this wash plant fail to comply with the prescripts of the Notice to be issued by DWS, the Department will proceed with further enforcement actions.
---00O00---
02 October 2023 - NW2986
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)With reference to the draft regulations relating to the Procedural Requirements for Water Use Licence Applications that were published on 19 May 2023, what are the details of the (a) total number of farmers or farming and/or agricultural entities that hold water use licences in accordance with each category of sections 21(a) and (b) and section 21(d) in terms of Table 1 in Chapter 5 of the draft regulations, (b) number of the specified licence holders who hold water use licences and do not meet the equity criteria in each category, in cases where an application had to be made in terms of the specified draft regulations; (2) what number of applications for water use licences from farmers and/or farming and/or agriculture sector entities has her department (a) received and (b) approved to black persons in each category of sections 21(a) and (b) and section 21(d) in the (i) 2019, (ii) 2020, (iii) 2021, (iv) 2022 and (v) 2023 years of assessment?
Reply:
1. (a) There is no application that was submitted in terms of the Draft Regulations Published on 19 May 2023. The Regulations published on 19 May 2023 are not yet implemented because they were issued only for public comments.
(b) Refer to the response above.
(2) The total number of Licences received and issued to HDIs from 2019 – 2023 August is 457.
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
84 |
60 |
141 |
117 |
55 |
---00O00---
02 October 2023 - NW2962
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department has moved for critical water and sanitation infrastructure projects to be declared as national key points, with the necessary security to reduce the countrywide theft and vandalism of infrastructure, which impacts service delivery to communities; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, as an asset owner the Department had some of the national water resource infrastructure declared as National Key Points, dependent on the criticality of specific government water schemes. All of these National Key points are guarded by qualified armed security guards which are officials in the department whereas non-strategic assets are guarded by private security companies. It must be noted that due to the nature of conveyance systems (including canals, pipelines and tunnels), it would be challenging to have sufficient security measures in place to completely mitigate the risk of vandalism.
However, there are operating and maintenance agreements with water boards and water user associations for government water schemes that are remotely located. These institutions assist with the safeguarding of these assets.
Water Boards have taken similar steps to have some of their critical infrastructure declared as National Key Points, but more is to be done for similar classification strategies to be followed at the municipal level; regarding local water and sanitation assets (owned by municipalities).
---00O00---
28 September 2023 - NW2689
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether Rand Water has (a) reduced the amount of water, (b) reduced the water pressure and (c) throttled the City of Ekurhuleni at any time in the period 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) on what dates, (ii) which areas in the City of Ekurhuleni were affected, (iii) what was the length of time in each case and (iv) what was the reason in each case?
Reply:
Rand Water has not reduced any water supply to City of Ekurhuleni during the period 1 January 2023 – 30 June 2023. There has not been reduction in pressure, nor throttling during the same period. In instances where Rand Water observes that its customers’ consumption is increasing to a level where demand will outstrip supply, Rand Water formally engages with the relevant municipality and requests them to reduce consumption. This reduction of municipal consumption can be effected through municipalities implementing water restrictions within their supply networks, or joint water meter restrictions between the municipality and Rand Water.
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28 September 2023 - NW2629
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light of the distressing claims of the Bethesda Hospital in Umkhanyakude being without a consistent water supply since 2018, coupled with reports of essential healthcare personnel struggling to perform their duties due to inadequate availability of water, what steps of intervention and/or assistance has he taken to address the long-standing issue of water shortage at the specified health facility?
Reply:
The Bethesda Hospital is connected to very old water supply infrastructure with serious limitations in terms of capacity and efficiency which cannot meet the current demands. The adverse effects of load shedding by Eskom have worsened the situation mainly because the purification plant at Mkuze was on a different schedule to the three booster pump stations (through the game reserve), resulting in the power being available at the booster pump stations whilst the Water Treatment Works is off. However, Eskom has since corrected this, and all systems are now on the same loadshedding schedule.
The Umkhanyakude District Municipality (UKDM) has prepared a detailed business plan to complete the upgrade of the Mkuze Water Treatment Works (from 4.5 ML/d to 9 ML/d) which is critical to resolve the current situation at Bethesda Hospital. The municipality has applied for R82 million from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) for this upgrade. The Department of Water and Sanitation, through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) is funding the Hlabisa/Mandlakazi Bulk Water project to provide raw water from the Jozini Dam to the Zululand District Municipality. Provision for a tap off point (chamber) for the Mkuze WTW is being made under this project.
The DWS has also intervened through the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board in terms of Section 63 of the Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997). Through this intervention, funding of R403 million has been allocated to deal with water issues under UKDM. The UKDM continues to monitor supply of potable water to Bethesda Hospital and further supplement with water tankering as and when required.
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28 September 2023 - NW2770
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(a) What total amount did (i) his department and (ii) each entity reporting to him pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports for the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report was printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?
Reply:
a) (i) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has not printed annual reports since 2019. DWS submits electronic copies of annual reports to Parliament since 2020 to date.
(ii) Some entities of the DWS including Amatola Water, Lepelle Northern Water, Water Research Commission, Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority and Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency; have also not printed annual reports since 2019. The details of entities that have printed annual reports, cost of the printing and suppliers are indicated in the table below.
|
a(ii) |
(aa) 2020-21 |
(bb) 2021-22 |
(cc) 2022-23 |
(b) |
(c) (i) |
(ii) |
|
Magalies Water |
R252 782.19 |
R264 530.02 |
N/A |
Black Moon Design and Advertising |
100 |
100 |
|
Overberg Water |
R144 104.53 |
R148 659.49 |
N/A |
PE & R Business |
200 |
200 |
|
Rand Water |
R 521 132.57 |
R 582 251.90 |
N/A |
2020/21- Blue Apple Publishing |
200 |
200 |
|
2021/22 – Interactive Web Works CC |
||||||
|
uMngeni Water |
R19 079 |
R56 590 |
N/A |
2020/21- Intwenhle Media Services (PTY LTD) |
130 |
200 |
|
2021/22 Afro Spice |
||||||
|
Mhlathuze Water |
R 92 589.38 |
R 55 173.00 |
N/A |
2020/21- AfroSpice Branding |
250 |
120 |
|
2021/22- Computer Artworks Zippy Press |
||||||
|
Bloem Water |
R150 535.00 |
R186 288.50 |
N/A |
Molebatsi Graphics |
200 |
200 |
|
Breede Olifants CMA |
R40 252,33 |
R84 043,08 |
R61 575,00 |
2020/21- Apple Graphics |
250 |
250 |
|
2021/22 - Personalised Promotions |
||||||
|
2022/23 - Cinnabar Graphic Design |
(22/23) 170 |
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20 September 2023 - NW2625
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(a) How often do water treatment facilities in the Republic use the (i) green, (ii) blue and (iii) no-drop tool to monitor the quality of treated water and ensure compliance with national standards and (b) what measures have been taken to improve the effectiveness of the specified tools as water quality assessment tools in the Republic?
Reply:
a) The Green, Blue and No Drop reports are released every two years after the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) conducts comprehensive assessments of Water Treatment Works and municipal water distribution systems as well as wastewater systems in the country. Interim reports which are progress reports are released in the alternate year. The progress reports focus on the progress of municipalities in addressing the findings of the full Green, Blue and No Drop reports.
The intention of these uniquely South African regulatory tools is to improve municipal drinking water quality, wastewater management as well as water conservation and demand management. The Green, Blue and No Drop reports keep the public and stakeholders informed and updated with credible data and information about the state of water and sanitation services in the country. Water services institutions that achieve compliance and excellence in providing such services are also recognised for excellence. This serves as an incentive for water services institutions to improve their performance.
The reports identify what needs to be done to address each of the shortcomings identified in the reports. In this regard, the reports are a support mechanism, in addition to being a regulatory mechanism, because they provide the owners of the infrastructure (municipalities) with advice and guidance to improve water and sanitation services.
Beyond the comprehensive assessments of water and wastewater systems by the DWS and the continuous monitoring of progress made by municipalities, there are other mechanisms that Water Service Providers (WSP), including Water Boards and Water Service Authorities (WSA) must put in place to ensure compliance with the National Standards. Some of these include, amongst others:
- Municipalities and water boards are required by law to meet drinking water standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards in South African National Standard (SANS) 241 and must conduct regular tests on their treated water to ensure compliance with the standard. A water service provider or municipality must be agile and responsive when their tests indicate a challenge with the water quality compliance.
- The effluent from Wastewater Treatment Works which goes into rivers is also required to meet minimum standards, set by the DWS. Monitoring frequencies of these conditions are much higher than the Green Drop Assessments and water services providers must monitor compliance and provide corrective measures when required.
- WSAs and WSPs need to ensure proper metering, monitor and be responsive to reported water leaks to ensure timeous repairs of their infrastructure to reduce losses.
b) The following is being done to by DWS ensure compliance and provide support to municipalities and to improve the effectiveness of the monitoring tools:
- The Minister has agreed on action plans to address infrastructural deficiencies in many of the worst performing municipalities, and DWS is assisting municipalities with funding from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant and Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant to address these deficiencies.
- DWS is taking regulatory action in terms of the National Water Act, including issuing non-compliance notices, directives, taking civil action, and as a last resort, laying criminal charges against polluting municipalities that are non-responsive to regulatory actions taken by the DWS.
- DWS is drafting amendments to the Water Services Act to strengthen its role as the regulator of municipal water and sanitation services and to enable the Minister to intervene effectively when there is non-compliance with directives to stop pollution.
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