Department of Water and Sanitation Q4 2024/25 Performance; with Minister and Deputy Ministers

Video The Portfolio Committee convened virtually to consider the Department of Water and Sanitation’s fourth quarter expenditure and performance report for the 2024/25 financial year. Key highlights of the meeting were focused on the Department's strategies, financial and non-financial performance, the bucket toilet eradication programme, legislation and institutional reform, oversight and accountability, and future reporting and accountability. Strategic context The Minister of Water and Sanitation framed the meeting within Youth Month, emphasising the urgency of addressing unreliable water supply, deteriorating sanitation services, and capacity constraints in municipalities. She also underscored the significance of the National Water Resource Strategy III and legislative reforms, notably amendments to the Water Services Act. The Department had achieved 99.9% budget expenditure, though only 64% of performance targets had been met. Challenges included incomplete infrastructure projects, continued reliance on bucket toilet systems, and high vacancy rates in technical roles. Municipal debt remained a major issue, with some metros like Mangaung returning unspent grants due to capacity issues. Reforms were underway to strengthen oversight through the infrastructure procurement strategy and new water services legislation. Members criticised the lack of visible progress in bucket toilet eradication, despite significant expenditure of around R270 million over two years. The Department explained that much of the funding was used to build enabling infrastructure, such as sewer lines and treatment plants, which was not yet reflected in the eradication numbers. A detailed project-level report with visual documentation was promised. Discussion covered the planned establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, which would manage national infrastructure (dams, canals), while water boards would continue to operate locally. Legislative amendments to enhance state intervention in failing municipalities, were also addressed. Members raised concerns about contractor underperformance, procurement transformation targets, and the gap between expenditure and service delivery. There was consensus on the need for improved and consistent reporting, particularly in quarterly reports, and clarity on grant-funded projects. They also called for joint oversight with the Department of Human Settlements to tackle infrastructure and sanitation gaps. The Department committed to improving report formatting and including explanatory footnotes. A consolidated intervention plan for the 105 worst-performing water services authorities was under development by an interdepartmental task team. A detailed sub-programme performance report and grant-funded project list would be submitted to the Committee. Oversight visits and a potential joint session with the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements were proposed.