This is my third Mission Report since I became Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation. My mission is Clean Water and Dignified Sanitation.
I visited three provinces, learnt a lot about agriculture, got outraged by pollution, and intervened with water problems. Here are highlights of what I’ve done in September:
EASTERN CAPE WATER WOES
Nelson Mandela Bay has terrible sewage spills and 60% of its water is unbilled or wasted through leaking pipes. There are 5000 outstanding water complaints!
I also visited KouKamma municipality and urged the Mayor to partner with farmers to fix broken pumps. At Joubertina, I met Hilton who drinks dirty water because the Water Works has been broken for 12 years – I’m pushing for the new plant to be finished by February next year.
NAMPO CAPE AGRICULTURAL EXPO IN BREDASDORP
I held meetings with agriculture heavyweights, saw the exhibits, and addressed young farmers on how fertiliser and biogas can be extracted from wastewater sludge. I learnt that a hen needs seven litres of water to lay one egg, and dairy cows drink 100 litres of water a day.
Overberg Mayor Sakkie Franken impressed me with his vision for a Breede River dam that would create 200 000 jobs! But big projects take years, so I’m keen to make it easier for farmers to build private dams which will hold water that otherwise runs to the sea. Water availability increases land value dramatically, so banks will invest and more workers will be hired!
Farmers in the Western Cape save 10-30% water by using the provincial government’s Fruitlook satellite tool that shows them where they are under- or over-watering.
WATER CRISIS IN ERMELO
Urgent action is needed to avert a “Day Zero” water shortage for 200 000 people in Ermelo in the Msukaligwa Local Municipality in Mpumalanga. This is because of severe pollution of rivers and dams, rampant water leaks, and the strong El Niño effect that is likely to reduce rainfall in the next few months.
I visited there to identify the source of the pollution that flows into the Vaal River. The stream on Jacob Durr’s farm is so toxic that it causes pregnant cows and sheep to abort. The white stuff is ammonia and there’s E. Coli as well – it’s too polluted to irrigate crops that could provide jobs in the area.
I urged everyone to form a water crisis group. They need to desilt the dams, clear away alien vegetation that clogs the rivers, fix the leaking pipes, and dig boreholes to access more water.
SEWAGE IN STORMWATER DRAINS
Joburg Water has diverted sewage into a stormwater drain in Denver by the M1 South for a full year. The appalling smell affects workers at nearby factories. It’s a criminal offense but happens far too often. I’m cracking down on it!
RESERVOIRS BUT NO WATER
It’s a strange phenomenon that people living near reservoirs don’t have water in their houses. I spoke to Esme and Alyssa in south Johannesburg who want honest answers about their water problems.
NEW STANDARDS FOR WATER AND SANITATION
A tap without reliable water is not access, and a full pit toilet is not dignity – this was my message at a Durban workshop on the new Strategic Framework for Water and Sanitation Services. It can ensure real delivery by ring-fencing water revenue so it is spent on water infrastructure, and maintenance must be done. Many new facilities fail as they are not maintained. Monitoring and evaluation are strengthened, with outcome-based indicators, public reporting, certification, and independent audits to ensure accountability.
VAAL RIVER BOATING SEASON
I attended the launch of the Vaal River Boating Season. This vital river needs to be cleaned up to spur tourism and jobs.
LEAKS AND SEWAGE SPILLS
I intervene when I can, but there are far too many and local authorities are often not responsive.
