Mahlobo: Govt aware of private companies ‘sabotaging’ infrastructure
ANC deployee in government under the department of water and sanitation David Mahlobo, says the Department of Water and Sanitation is aware of infrastructure sabotage and criminality in the water sector.
Mahlobo, who also serves as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, spoke during a media briefing at the party's national executive committee lekgotla on Tuesday morning.
He was responding to questions on reports that private operators are sabotaging municipal water supply to boost their businesses.
Over the past year, the water system in Gauteng's three metros has been constrained due to what the municipalities claim to be high consumption by residents.
The prevalence of illegal connections has also impacted some residents’ access to safe drinking water.
Mahlobo warned any vandalism of infrastructure is akin to economic sabotage.
"As much as the tanks are not a desirable mechanism, in the meantime, we will continue to use tankering. With these tanks, people must know that the water is not for sale.
"The water must be of good quality, and no one must be affected by the water because someone has thrown foreign objects there, that is very important.”
Mahlobo said the department will work with law enforcement agencies to tackle the issue.
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