In her speech detailing activities of the Department in 100 days in office, Pemmy Majodina, Minister of Water and Sanitation, said there is no drought in Gauteng.
She said “the Province is experiencing water security challenges which include credit management issues, water losses, aging infrastructure, illegal connections, illegal mining and servitude encroachment.”
An intervention by the Ministry and the Gauteng provincial government, is to impose water restrictions, upgrade water infrastructure, introduce strict credit management systems, ensure proactive governance and explore alternative water sources.
Among projects of focus, is Gauteng’s electronic platform meant to raise awareness of the need to use water sparingly.
“As part of the work of the Platform, a
shared information repository and dashboard, accessible to the public, was created on the Department’s website, to communicate strategic and timeous information regarding water supply issues in the province” said Majodina.
The Ministry is trying to raise funds for infrastructure development, and approached the 79’th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Water Investment Programme and the Africa Water Infrastructure Investment
Summit.
During water week, the Ministry of Denmark presented the Africa’s Century Strategy for Strengthened Danish Engagement with African Countries. South Africa is the priority in the implementation of strategy.
Approximately 300 million DKK (R800 Million) was allocated to the implementation of the strategy. Areas of cooperation between South Africa and Denmark include water-use efficiency in industries, urban water management and groundwater management.
Picture: GCIS