Water task team to meet on Tuesday evening - Mashatile
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the government’s water task team will meet on Tuesday evening to discuss various measures to resolve the supply crisis.
Mashatile delivered a public lecture on 30 years of democracy at the University of Johannesburg on Tuesday.
READ: Joburg has plan to solve water crisis
The task team was established to assist municipalities struggling with erratic water supply.
Mashatile, who heads up the team, said they will visit KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng to engage local authorities.
"On Friday, we will be visiting Ethekwini as well as other regions later to engage with the province as to how best we can resolve the eminent water challenge.
“Since the announcement of the water task team's establishment, my office has received numerous requests from individuals seeking to assist and collaborate with the government.
“Together with the task members, we will outline a process of engagement so that we do not leave anyone behind but ensure that we find a lasting solution to the water challenges in our country.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation has already allocated R10.1 billion to municipalities through the regional bulk infrastructure grant, R4.6 billion through the water services infrastructure grant, and R1.4 billion through the municipal recovery disaster grant to address water challenges," added Mashatile.
Earlier this month, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo confirmed that the government has deployed water boards to assist the various municipalities.
In Gauteng, the department will deploy Rand Water, while the Umngeni-Uthukela water board will be deployed to assist struggling municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal.
Various issues in several municipalities in the two provinces have led to communities experiencing water shortages in recent months.
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