The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms. Nomvula Mokonyane, today attended the MinMEC (Provincial Minister and Mayors) meeting of the Western Cape Province in Worcester, on the invitation of the MEC of Local Government, Environment and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Mr. Anton Bredell.
The intention of the meeting was to share with both provincial and local government within the Western Cape on the national government’s plans on water and sanitation as they relate to the province. Equally, the emphasis of the engagement has been to identify solutions to the challenges that confront the province.
The Western Cape Province is one of the provinces most affected by rapid urbanisation. Population growth figures in the province have had a direct impact on the ability of government to deliver water and sanitation services.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Mokonyane briefed the provincial MEC and Mayors present that "the Department of Water and Sanitation has recently completed a study on the bulk water and sanitation infrastructure needs for the Western Cape for the 15 to 20 years. In this regard, 1641 bulk water and sewerage infrastructure projects have been identified and require the pooling of resources, both capacity and financial resources between all three spheres of government to ensure delivery.
"As the department we have identified three key priorities, namely, water resource management, solutions to service delivery challenges and the finalisation of a long-term master plan for South Africa on water and sanitation. Our engagements must direct us towards servicing un-serviced communities and maintaining our infrastructure adequately in serviced areas”, said Minister Mokonyane.
To date, the department has supported 17 Municipalities in the Western Cape to enhance their water security and improve water quality through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant programme.
"In order to ensure that we deliver to our people, we must pay close attention to the institutional capacity of municipalities to maintain the infrastructure we are developing to ensure security and quality of supply. Without that, we will not win in delivering quality and sustainable basic services to the people" said Minister Mokonyane.
The meeting appreciated the importance of water and sanitation for economic growth and the need to increase cooperation in order to ensure impact through delivery to communities.
For more information contact:
Mlimandlela Ndamase
Cell: 083 480 0014
