File picture: Motlabana Monnakgotla
THE DEPARTMENT of Water and Sanitation will hold meetings this week with 26 municipalities in the Northern Cape, water boards, and the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency to review their performance and progress on water and sanitation projects over the past three financial years.
Department spokesperson Sanku Tsunke said the meetings, scheduled for February 10 to 12, would focus on the financial performance and management of municipalities, as well as progress on their water and sanitation projects.
“During the meeting, turnaround initiatives will be deliberated to ensure sustainable water and sanitation provision and to improve ailing municipal services,” said Tsunke.
He added that they would also review a Water Security Dashboard that tracks and monitors the state of the water system.
He stated that the system was established by the Department of Water and Sanitation in collaboration with municipalities experiencing water shortages.
“It provides reliable and up-to-date information to allow water users to make informed decisions about their personal water use and to be kept updated on government’s interventions to improve water security.”
Tsunke indicated that discussions would also centre around the quality of drinking water, wastewater, and water losses.
“Municipalities will also be advised on how to apply for funding from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant and Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant.”
He added that an on-site inspection would be conducted at the Kameelmond wastewater treatment works in Upington to assess the plant’s operation and management.