JOHANNESBURG – In a positive development, the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has expressed its satisfaction with the ongoing progress in the reconfiguration of water boards across the nation. The committee emphasized that this process should transcend mere formalities and result in substantial improvements in operational efficiency and broader access to water for communities.
According to Parliament of South Africa, the Chairperson, Mr. Robert Mashego, highlighted that the reconfiguration should be a meaningful exercise aimed at enhancing institutional efficiencies, rationalizing the number of institutions, achieving economies of scale, and resolving the issue of multiple boards serving a single province. The committee resolved to maintain its vigilance over the reconfiguration process and encouraged the department to sustain its engagement with all stakeholders, ensuring collaborative efforts.
The committee welcomed the department’s ongoing dialogues with key stakeholders, including labour unions, municipalities, and provincial governments. It stressed that effective and continuous engagement is crucial to eliminate the confusion that arises when regions receive services from more than one water board. Additionally, the reconfiguration process is seen as an avenue to bolster the relationships and financial stability of water boards, a concern paramount to the committee given its direct correlation with the boards’ capacity to secure investment for bulk water infrastructure and guarantee water access for all.
Mr. Mashego underscored the pressing need for substantial investment in the country’s aging water infrastructure, aiming to mitigate extensive water losses. He emphasized the necessity for water service authorities to fulfill their financial obligations for services rendered, ensuring the financial viability of these entities. The reconfiguration process was highlighted as a vital opportunity for extended discussions on payment mechanisms for services rendered by water boards.
In terms of governance, the committee expressed contentment with the current status of board appointments, with the exception of Amatola Water. The committee urged for a swift resolution to the legal challenges faced by Amatola Water, advocating for the prompt appointment of a permanent board and Chief Executive, along with similar appointments at Vall Central and Umgeni-Uthukela Water.
The committee also acknowledged the considerable efforts made by all Water Boards to align with the departmental corporate plan and shareholder compact format. They expressed optimism about the department’s initiative to develop an improved oversight model, aiming to fortify governance and financial performance, ultimately leading to enhanced service delivery and access to quality water.