Minister calls for fast-tracking of water infrastructure projects
This after meeting with the provincial government and the Mhlathuze and Umgeni water boards
MINISTER of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu, has called for the fast-tracking of all water and sanitation projects to avoid shortage of water in KwaZulu-Natal.
This after meeting with the provincial government and the Mhlathuze and Umgeni water boards.
‘All of us must work towards solving the challenges. Municipalities, supported by the province and water boards, must prioritise maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure.
‘In KZN 32% of water is lost before it reaches the end user and that needs to be sorted out.
‘All projects must be on time, on budget, free of corruption and create jobs for unemployed young people,’ Sisulu said.
In his State of the Province address last month, Premier Sihle Zikalala said the province is facing challenges meeting the water demands of growing populations in the uMkhanyakude, Zululand and Umzinyathi districts.
He said a co-ordinated approach will be taken to address the water issues.
‘In the 2019/20 financial year we will continue working with all 14 water service authorities for the implementation of projects to improve the provision of water and decent sanitation services to households.
‘We have assembled a technical team of experts to drive the initiative.
‘The MEC for Finance will provide financial allocations that will be reserved for water provision during the budget review in October,’ Zikalala said.
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