The Transvaal Agricultural Union (TLU) expressed concerns with the ongoing water crisis in Gauteng, saying it has brought the province and its communities closer to disaster.
According to a statement from TLU, the recent alarming warnings from Rand Water about critically low water supplies, coupled with the revelation that 42 reservoirs in Johannesburg were leaking, have only worsened an already dire situation.
“The lack of proper maintenance of water sources and infrastructure has not only led to a shortage of water but has also negatively impacted the quality of the water available to the community. This can have not only economic repercussions but also serious health risks for the general public,” the statement said.
‘Clear action and accountability needed’
The organisation called on the department of water and sanitation to allocate funds for the restoration of water and sanitation facilities.
“This includes the repair and maintenance of leaking reservoirs, the upgrading of pipelines, and the improvement of existing water supply systems.
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“Enhance transparency and communication: It is crucial that the community is informed about the progress of the restoration work so that they can understand what is being done to alleviate the current crisis,” the TLU stated.
The organisation said the community urgently needs a clear action plan and accountability from the government.
“The TLU SA is convinced that cooperation between government agencies, local communities, and the agricultural sector is essential to tackle the water crisis and secure the future of our water supply.”
Meanwhile, the minister of water and sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, outlined her achievements during her past 100-day briefing since taking office and said it was important to state that there was no drought in Gauteng.
“The province is experiencing water security challenges which include credit management issues, water losses, ageing infrastructure, illegal connections, illegal mining and servitude encroachment.
“The ministry and Gauteng provincial government have intervened to address the challenges by calling on municipalities to impose water restrictions, upgrading of the water infrastructure, strict credit management systems, ensuring proactive governance and exploring alternative water sources,” she said.
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