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Accountability Watch : Water Services/ supply
Accountability Watch : Water Services/ supply
The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs continued its Public Participation Week with important oversight visits to service delivery projects in Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), focusing specifically on water infrastructure and supply.
The Amatola Water Board participated in this session as the bulk water supplier providing water services to Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
During the committee's discussions, it was acknowledged that while “water is life,” the government faces significant challenges in ensuring that every community member has access to this vital resource. Buffalo City Municipality particularly struggles to meet the high demand for water due to limited resources, which has led to ongoing service delivery issues.
Amatola Water board noted the critical challenges that are faced by BCM including vandalism,cable theft and illegal connections by residents,which puts a strain in the system, however remain committed to continuosly render the services as per the agreed terms.
Further,Amatola Water board indicated a pressing need for a joint effort to address these issues, with community education playing a vital role in protecting municipal assets.
Chairperson of Amatola Water Board Dr. G Sharpley emphasized the urgency of addressing the area's water supply challenges, stating, “An investment summit hosted by BCM could attract investors who can assist in improving the challenges posed by aged infrastructure that is severely affecting water supply in the BCM area.” He further stressed the need for a continued, improved collaborative approach between Amatola Water Board and BCM in resolving these water issues, affirming that the community rightly deserves effective and sustainable water services.
As part of the oversight activities, the committee visited the nonfunctional Amalinda Water Treatment Plant, where ongoing leaks and targeted vandalism were discussed, alongside the necessity for sustained monitoring and maintenance.
Despite the serious challenges of wastewater infrastructure vandalism and cable theft, the Portfolio Committee urged that the municipality must maintain optimism and determination in addressing these problems.
