Updates on Giyani Bulk Water Project & Bucket Eradication Programme; Committee Reports on DWS Quarterly Performance; with Ministry

Video The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation of the National Assembly was briefed on the Giyani Bulk Water Project and the Bucket Eradication Programme in the Northern Cape and Free State Provinces. Members were informed that the Giyani Project aimed to upgrade this system by providing household connections instead of communal standpipes and to ensure a consistent and reliable water supply. The Minister provided a detailed overview of the Giyani Bulk Water Project noting the delays caused by poor planning and corruption. Although initiated in 2009, significant progress had only recently been made, with ongoing investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to address past corruption. Recently, water had begun flowing to households, marking a crucial milestone. The Chairperson requested answers regarding the use of the R200 million and asked for a progress report on that matter. He further mentioned that it was the right of individual Members to conduct their own oversight separately from the Committee. He noted that it would be unfortunate if Members of Parliament were stopped from doing their own oversight work and clarified that this might have been a misunderstanding. The Minister explained that the Department had altered its planning approach prioritising household yard connections over communal taps. This necessitated a 40-kilometre pipeline construction from Nandoni Dam to Giyani. The project estimated to cost R5.5 billion aimed to benefit 55 villages and 30 000 households with completion anticipated by March 2025. The Department provided a technical update confirming that 74% of bulk infrastructure work was completed with plans to upgrade water treatment capacity. Despite facing challenges from ageing infrastructure, local authorities are actively addressing these issues. It was noted that while there may have been an impression that the communities in Middle Letaba had been without water for years, intermittent water supply had been provided through tankering and refurbished boreholes during the planning phase of the reticulation for five villages. The Department's focus was on providing long-term, permanent solutions. During the subsequent discussion, Members expressed concern about project delays and financial management, particularly regarding managing the R5.5 billion budget and the slow connection of villages to water supply. Members were reassured that technical reports had been completed addressing pipe issues and confirming plans for the Nandoni Water Treatment Works' capacity increase. The Chairperson requested answers regarding the use of the R200 million and asked for a progress report on that matter. He directed the Minister or DWS to provide clarity on this issue. He mentioned that it is the right of individual Members to conduct their own oversight, separate from the Committee. He noted that it would be unfortunate if Members of Parliament were stopped from doing their own oversight work and clarified that this might have been a misunderstanding. The Committee was then briefed on the Bucket Eradication Programme. This programme faced delays due to shifting responsibilities among government Departments. Despite progress, challenges persisted, particularly in the Free State, where bucket toilets remain prevalent. Input from the Water Research Commission (WRC) highlighted the importance of transitioning to waterborne sanitation systems and the cost challenges involved. The WRC noted South Africa's leadership in developing water-efficient technologies, with ongoing partnerships fostering innovation. Members acknowledged the WRC's contributions but raised concerns about the DWS's accountability for delays. The Chairperson concluded the meeting by requesting a comprehensive progress report from the Mopani District Municipality and the DWS within 14 days to address outstanding issues. He emphasised the critical nature of these projects in delivering essential services to communities and stressed the need for ongoing accountability and follow-up.