Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water supply to Hammanskraal and Temba; Sedibeng Regional Sanitation Scheme; Committee Reports on DWS Expenditure; with the Minister and Deputy Ministers

Video The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation held a pivotal virtual meeting to address urgent water management issues, including the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant's status, the water supply challenges in Hammanskraal and Temba and the Sedibeng Regional Sanitation Scheme. The Minister provided an update on the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant, which had been significantly impacted by a cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal. The R450 million refurbishment project, led by the Development Bank of Southern Africa, was progressing, with a new packaged plant from Magalies Water expected to begin operations by October to supply clean drinking water to the area. The Minister also highlighted advancements in the Sedibeng Regional Sanitation Scheme, addressing the urgent need to mitigate sewage pollution in the Vaal River. The Gauteng Provincial Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation reported that the Rooiwal plant’s refurbishment was 80% complete, but still facing overloading issues. He also updated the Committee on the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works, where a new packaged plant was being developed. Members voiced a range of concerns during the discussion. One Member questioned the impact of the eMfuleni intervention on municipal capacity, the strategies for urban migration pressures, and the high costs of water trucking. The Minister responded by stressing the unsustainable nature of water trucking and the need for significant infrastructure investments, alongside a coordinated municipal approach. Rand Water’s Chairperson discussed ambitious future infrastructure projects, with a R35 billion budget allocated over the next five years. The Lesotho Highlands Phase Two project, aimed at boosting Gauteng's water supply, was also highlighted, reminding municipalities that they must invest in their infrastructure to sustain these improvements. The Executive Mayor of Tshwane outlined the substantial annual costs of water trucking, ranging from R500 million to R600 million, with a significant portion allocated to Hammanskraal. Further concerns included the operational status of the Temba plant post-upgrade, maintenance budgets, and financial strains faced by municipalities like Emfuleni. Members inquired about the allocation of Infrastructure South Africa funds, and adherence to national water legislation. Questions also emerged regarding the Rooiwal project’s funding and Emfuleni’s contributions. The Chairperson proposed an urgent virtual evening meeting on 13 September to address pressing issues, including the Amatola Water Board and National Treasury’s Metropolitan Trading Services programme. Despite concerns about travel and scheduling conflicts, Members supported this plan. The Chairperson emphasised that the next meeting would focus on reviewing Committee reports and Departmental presentations, setting the stage for continued exploration of the country’s water and sanitation challenges.