Bronkhorstspruit gastrointestinal illness cases surge to 833
The crises come as the Department of Water and Sanitation holds public consultations on a revised strategic framework for water and sanitation services – the first comprehensive review of the policy since it was introduced in 2003.
The proposed framework seeks to strengthen infrastructure maintenance, financial sustainability, climate resilience and accountability in water service delivery.
But the failures in Gauteng raise urgent questions about whether the new measures will be implemented effectively and whether municipalities will be held accountable when residents are left without safe, reliable water.
The review is intended to guide the sector for years to come.
But for communities already facing contaminated water or dry taps, the immediate demand is for functioning infrastructure, safe supplies and consequences for service delivery failures.
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Dimakatso Leshoro
www.ewn.co.za
