Minister Sisulu assures Vaal community that intervention will stop the spillage
The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu has given an assurance to the community of Vaal including the business sector that the government is committed to restoring the dilapidated water and sanitation infrastructure which has over the years contributed to the pollution of the Vaal River.
Minister Sisulu was briefing the interested parties and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) on Government’s plan to invoke Section 63 of the Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997) which will see the Department of Water and Sanitation taking over water and sanitation services within the jurisdiction of Emfuleni Local Municipality.
Minister Sisulu informed the meeting that the plan will soon be presented to Cabinet for further guidance and endorsement.
“We are expected to have made a difference within three years. We understand that it has not been easy for everyone living in and around Vaal but this requires all of us to focus on the challenge at hand and finish the job on time”, said Minister Sisulu.
During the meeting the business community told the Minister that it was fully behind the government’s interventions and that success will only be achieved if all parties work together towards a common objective.
Minister was also assured that whatever amount the government will be spending on Vaal there will be a return on investment as there are a number of projects in the pipeline or which have been delayed as a result of the current challenges.
Minister Sisulu further called on the Vaal community to protect and report acts of vandalism of the infrastructure while challenging them to be part of a lasting solution saying the participation of the community is central to the success of the project.
Enquiries:
Steve Motale, Ministry Spokesperson
Cell: 083 784 0719
