DA Backs Minister Majodina’s Urgent Solutions for Gauteng’s Water Crisis Amid Infrastructure and Payment Issues

Municipal Failures Worsen Gauteng’s Water Shortages, Says DA in Support of Minister Majodina

In a recent virtual meeting with Parliament’s water and sanitation committee, the Democratic Alliance (DA) voiced strong support for Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, endorsing her urgent call for action to tackle Gauteng’s water crisis. The province is facing critical water shortages, attributed to municipalities’ inadequate infrastructure upkeep, water conservation efforts, and delayed payment of bulk water services.

Gauteng’s Water Crisis Reaches Critical Levels

Minister Majodina opened the session by spotlighting Gauteng’s dire water situation, noting the province’s unsustainable daily water consumption. “Gauteng’s per capita water demand is, on average, 279 litres per person per day, compared to the international average of 173 litres,” Majodina stated, highlighting the need for immediate intervention. The excessive demand, compounded by leaks and unauthorized connections, has resulted in a staggering 49.2% non-revenue water rate, meaning almost half of the province’s treated water is lost.

DA Calls for Coordinated Municipal Action

The DA, represented by its spokesperson on water and sanitation, Annelie Lotriet, showed full agreement with the minister’s stance. Lotriet emphasized the urgent need for municipalities across Gauteng to collaborate effectively, stating, “We fully agree that Gauteng municipalities must work together to address the water crisis. The current situation cannot continue; immediate, decisive action is required.”

Addressing Infrastructure and Revenue Collection

One of the primary issues worsening Gauteng’s water shortages is the poor maintenance of water infrastructure. Lotriet highlighted the importance of repairing leaks promptly and improving the collection of water usage payments. Effective management and revenue collection could reduce wastage, helping to stabilize the province’s strained water resources.

A Call for Immediate Solutions

As Gauteng’s water crisis intensifies, the joint support from the DA and Minister Majodina signals the urgent need for municipalities to implement actionable solutions. By prioritizing infrastructure repairs, optimizing water use, and improving payment collections, Gauteng has a chance to mitigate its water scarcity and ensure sustainable water access for its residents.

Also read: Where’s My Salary?’: Standard Bank Customers Frustrated by Salary Payment Delays