Cape Town — Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said government is currently exploring cross-border water options to address water scarcity in South Africa.
Ntshaveheni addressed the media on the outcomes of the cabinet meeting on Wednesday and said that a new water works task team has been established to focus on finding resolutions to the water challenges the country, and it will be headed by Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, EWN reported.
“Cabinet established a water task team, to be chaired by Deputy President Mr Paul Mashatile, that will give dedicated focus to the resolution of the water challenges facing the country. This task team will be constituted by the Department of Water & Sanitation, COGTA, Human Settlements, Public Works & Infrastructure, Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development and the police.”
[WATCH] Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says Cabinet has established a water task team to be chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile to deal with supply challenges facing the country. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/kWGcsfJttJ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 28, 2024
The provinces of Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) and Limpopo have been crippled by inadequate water supply and the country has resorted to neighbouring countries to meet supply demands.
The Water and Sanitation department has signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Zimbabwe to Musina to help mitigate Limpopo’s water crisis while the treated water from the Beitbridge water treatment works would be funneled to the drought-stricken municipality.
Ntshavheni said the completion of the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was a priority. Delays in the Lesotho expansion have raised concerns about exacerbating water constraints in Gauteng.
According to East Coast Radio, Ntshavheni listed multiple factors for failing eater supply including aging municipal infrastructure are hindering efficient supply of the precious resource to communities.
Ntshavheni says Cabinet has also been briefed on the main contributors of the constant supply issues in eThekwini and other areas of KwaZulu-Natal that have also been struggling to get water.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
