Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, recently spoke at a stakeholder meeting in Vereeniging, Gauteng, regarding the importance of work culture, service, and professionalism within the public sector and among key stakeholders. The meeting, held on August 25, 2023, provided an update on the Emfuleni Section 63 Interventions and was attended by Mayor Sipho Radebe of the Emfuleni Local Municipality and representatives from the business and civil society sectors.
Background
In 2021, Minister Senzo Mchunu placed Emfuleni Local Municipality under Section 63 of the Water Services Act due to its inability to manage water and sanitation services. This led to sewer spillages in communities and pollution of the Vaal River. To address these issues, Rand Water was appointed as the Implementing Agent to deliver pollution solutions and enhance water and sanitation service delivery.
Deputy Minister Mahlobo’s Remarks
Deputy Minister Mahlobo, who chairs the Political Stakeholder Committee for the project, acknowledged significant progress in addressing spillages and called for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and other water sector stakeholders to enhance their work ethics, service delivery, and professionalism. He emphasized the importance of information sharing to foster public patience and demonstrate progress.
Mahlobo stressed the need for transparency in water management and the sharing of information to inform the public about measures taken to improve water services. “Transparency holds all stakeholders accountable for their actions, thus enhancing good governance within the water sector,” he said.
Rand Water’s Progress Report
Rand Water presented its report on various water-related projects, including the refurbishment of pump stations 2 (80% complete), 9 (50% complete), and 10 (95% complete). The gravity main to pump station 2 is 50% complete, and the collapsed sewer pipeline in Union Street, Vereeniging, reached 100% completion.
Collaboration with Private Sector
Deputy Minister Mahlobo highlighted the need for collaboration with the private sector to bring about meaningful change in the water and sanitation sector. He called for the cultivation of a culture of work, service, and professionalism to address existing challenges and pave the way for a future marked by sustainable and equitable access to water resources.
Attendees expressed gratitude for the progress made by the Emfuleni Section 63 Intervention, noting its positive impact and suggesting more opportunities for women. In conclusion, Deputy Minister Mahlobo directed DWS Provincial Head for Gauteng, Justice Maluleke, and his team to capture real issues, visit the mentioned areas, and provide feedback the following Monday.
