Media and public statement by the Leader of Government Business | MEC for

Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma

20 September 2023 - *Pietermaritzburg*: Yesterday evening, I appeared on

Newsroom Africa as part of responding to the report released by the South African
Human Rights Commission on water crisis in various municipalities across the
province.

Our view is that improved quality of life, economic development and job creation are
intrinsically linked to bulk water availability.

It is for this reason as that as elected public representatives have a responsibility to

demonstrate accountability and show a sense of urgency in the face of this crisis.

Accordingly, we wish to affirm our commitment towards working with Chapter Nine
institutions such as the SA Human Rights Commission, the Public Protector, Auditor
General and others to strengthen service delivery and to protect human rights.

We acknowledge the fact that over the years in the face of severe drought, we
continued to use more water than dam provided.

There are instances where there is availability of water infrastructure but there is no
running water.

We are also all aware that water shortages have also been caused by extraordinary
rainfalls which resulted in extensive flooding in built-up urban areas as well as
sinkholes and landslides.

As pointed out by the SA Human Rights Commission in its report, spatial legacies of
apartheid across all municipalities are also the main causes of infrastructure deficits.

This is compounded by increasing population and reduction of budget allocation for

spending in social infrastructure. KwaZulu-Natal currently has a population of more
than 11, 2 million.

Linked to above, agriculture and companies in the steel, chemical and manufacturing
sector are by far the most water-intensive sectors in the province.

The above has resulted in the gap between water supply and water demand.

Following the release of the HRSC report, we have resolved to strengthen our
working relations with the Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu. We
remain confident that the appointment of the new uMngeni-uThukela Board as
announced by cabinet last week, will also usher in a new era in the planning and
delivery of bulk water to municipalities.

Our main focus as guided by our Provincial Water Master Plan, is to deploy state
resources to ensure the following:-

●Ensure provision of quality water to safeguard public health;

●Repair and adequate maintenance of water infrastructure that has collapsed;

●Acceleration of the construction of new dams and other water infrastructure;

●Addressing water leaks to prevent water losses;

●Undertaking more investments into water infrastructure projects and to exploration

of capital private finance.

● Accelerating and monitoring the construction of new dams.

As the ANC government we undertake to work with law enforcement agencies to

arrest those responsible for the sabotage of water infrastructure with the sole
intention of procuring water tankers.

We call on communities to assist to deal with this practice.

Finally, we offer to ensure that ordinary members of society and other key
stakeholders are integrated into the entire value chain of the delivery water.

We support the establishment of Makhathini Lower Phongolo Water User

Association by Minister Mchunu.

The association, consisting of various stakeholders, including civil society and the
business sector, will ensure that all water users in the uMkhanyakude and Zululand
District catchment areas are part of decision making processes in the corridors of
power – especially regarding water management.

Our view is that this association must be replicated in various parts of the province.

Ends

_Issued by the Leader of Government Business | MEC for Economic

Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma_