Mchunu sends stern warning to water polluters

Mchunu, who spoke on World Water Day, is adamant that the country does not have a water crisis – but rather a water management challenge.

Mchunu briefed the media on Tuesday on the state of water in the country and the use of groundwater as an alternative water source.

He said since 2014, the department has investigated over 500 cases involving various wastewater treatment.

“Enforcement actions were taken by Department of Water and Sanitation against those municipalities which were found to have violated the water legislation in relation to wastewater treatment works, enforcement actions taken include administrative, civil and criminal actions.”

Mchunu said the department is working on ways to improve the quality of water in parts of the country.

“As a department, we have acknowledged that our country’s water resources are on the decline in both quality and quantity. We are not the only country facing the water quality challenges. The World Economic Forum Global Risks Report of 2019 reports that water and environmental concerns are more prevalent than ever.

“The department is fast-tracking the activities of the Anti-Pollution Task Team to deal with all water quality pollution problems in the country.

He added that the Covid-19 pandemic has also exposed the challenges of lack of access to water in some areas.

“We must not forget that during the past two years, Covid-19 tested the strength of our water and sanitation service delivery models in a great way. Covid-19 has not only affected the physical health of our country, but it has exposed the big challenges we are facing as a nation in the form of inequality, economic vulnerability, the lack of access to water services and poor maintenance of our water infrastructure.”

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