Earlier today, Commissioner Dr Henk Boshoff briefed the media as the commission released its findings on the state of water and sanitation services in Gauteng.
The inquiry was conducted earlier this year following persistent complaints about water supply interruptions, failing infrastructure and pollution.
The commission has identified several factors contributing to Gauteng’s water challenges, including ageing infrastructure, high water losses, poor maintenance and insufficient storage and pumping capacity.
It has recommended that municipalities identify critical weaknesses in their systems and ensure reservoirs can withstand disruptions to bulk water supply.
Commissioner Dr Henk Boshoff says having plans in place is not enough.
The commission has also urged the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the three metros to develop guidelines for reliable water tanker services.
“Where the deficiencies such as technical vacancies, deteriorating infrastructure, excessive water losses or inadequate maintenance are already known, institutional efforts should increasingly be directed towards addressing the deficiencies and measuring whether conditions actually improve.”
Article by Tsholofelo Tsoku.
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