Dying diggers of Namaqualand need saving
| by Delmaine Christians, MP – DA Member of National Council of Provinces |
| Date: 26 November 2019 |
| Release: Immediate |
| The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is concerned that while Sol Plaatje’s water woes seem to be under control for now, the municipality’s long-term plans to ensure the sustainable supply of water to residents of Kimberley, as well as to contain sewage spills, continues to be sidelined by the institution.According to a reply that I received from the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Gugile Nkwinti, earlier this month, Sol Plaatje has yet to submit a longer-term plan to secure the supply of water.This is especially concerning given that, while the immediate challenges relating to recent upgrades and new pumps seem to be under control for now, the bigger issues, as noted by the national minister, still require attention.In this regard, high water losses in Kimberley have not been addressed, while water conservation and water demand management have also not yet been prioritised. Meanwhile, it is estimated that Kimberley can save approximately R50,599 million per annum by addressing water losses.Other recommendations include that bulk water readings should be taken at the Newton Reservoir to determine whether any water losses occur on the new bulk pipeline, especially in light of the fact that Roodepan, Galeshewe, Industria and Gariep Hospital are supplied directly from the line before it reaches the Newton Reservoir. Hence, the exact usage in these areas should be determined.The department also warned that vandalism and theft throughout the municipality remain a problem and worsen water supply interruptions.The department has further cautioned that underspending in the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) sanitation projects, adversely affects the municipality’s access to continued funding. This is detrimental to the future outlook for the municipality given that Sol Plaatje municipality has been plagued by numerous sewage spillages.In fact, a directive to stop pollution has been issued to Sol Plaatje for the Homevale Wastewater Treatment Works and this case was apparently referred to the national department’s legal services unit.Sol Plaatje may have curbed the daily water cuts for now, but they are not out of the woods yet. If they do not urgently address long term water and sanitation issues, they will soon find themselves battling worse crises in the near future, to the detriment of local residents.The DA will forward the reply by Nkwinti to COGHSTA MEC, Bentley Vass, and Sol Plaatje Mayor, Patrick Mabilo, so that they can urgently give attention to the critical water and sanitation matters, as highlighted by the Minister.The DA will also be monitoring implementation of the afore mentioned recommendations as they are crucial to grow the city and return its long forgotten sparkle. |
Related posts