Water and Sanitation Budget Vote Report

Video Annual Performance Plan (APP) of Government Departments & Entities 2026/27 The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation met to consider and adopt its Budget Vote Report for the 2026/27 financial year, alongside the minutes of previous meetings and arrangements for upcoming public participation activities. Members were informed that the Chairperson would be on medical leave following a recent health setback, and would be unable to participate in certain forthcoming activities due to medical restrictions, particularly travel. Members expressed sympathy and extended well wishes, while acknowledging his continued leadership and the need to prioritise his recovery. The Committee was advised that no meeting would take place the following week due to the Budget Vote programme and related parliamentary commitments, and that alternative arrangements would be made to compensate for lost time, subject to approval. It was further noted that approval processes for public participation activities were still pending. Members agreed on the need to appoint an Acting Chairperson to ensure continuity and effective leadership during the upcoming public participation programme across several provinces. The Committee then considered the Budget Vote Report, which was presented as a legislative oversight instrument assessing alignment between the Department’s annual performance plan, strategic priorities, and budget allocations. The Report highlighted that the sector continued to face significant challenges, including declining real-term budgets, infrastructure backlogs, water losses, wastewater non-compliance, municipal debt, and delays in project implementation. While Members broadly agreed that the Report captured key sector issues and reflected their inputs, differing views emerged on the adequacy of the proposed interventions. Some Members argued for more decisive structural reforms, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and greater institutional accountability, while others supported the Report but emphasised the need for measurable, project-specific reporting and improved oversight to ensure implementation. The Committee subsequently adopted the Budget Vote Report, with some parties reserving their positions for further debate in the House. Members then proceeded to elect an Acting Chairperson to lead the forthcoming public participation programme. Mr K Ramaila (ANC) was duly elected without opposition and accepted the nomination.