South Africa's Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is facing significant challenges in completing its mega water infrastructure projects, with Deputy Minister David Mahlobo attributing the delays to criminality. The department recently provided Parliament's portfolio committee with a status update on the progress of these projects, revealing that most are running behind schedule. Mahlobo emphasized that the department has made progress since its tumultuous past, including leadership instability and technical bankruptcy in 2017.
The DWS is currently working on six mega projects, including the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the construction of dams in Clanwilliam and Tzaneen. However, the department cited several reasons for the slow progress, including resistance from local communities and businesses, poor workmanship, procurement challenges, and the influence of the construction mafia. Mahlobo appealed to the committee to consider the department's progress over the years, rather than focusing solely on its failures.
Mahlobo expressed confidence in the department's progress, stating that it is moving in the right direction, albeit at a pace that may not be satisfactory. He emphasized that the department should not be judged solely on its failures, but rather on the significant progress made over the last decade. Mahlobo also expressed willingness to acknowledge genuine failures and take responsibility.
However, some members of Parliament, including MKP MP Visvin Reddy, expressed concern about the normalization of delays, highlighting that many communities are struggling with erratic water supplies. Reddy questioned at what point delays become a failure of the state. Mahlobo responded by accusing Reddy of "political speak" and emphasizing that the current water projects would not have advanced without the department's significant progress.
The DWS's challenges are multifaceted, with local communities and businesses pushing back against the projects. In some cases, communities have expressed concerns about the impact of the projects on their livelihoods and the environment. The department is working to address these concerns and find solutions that balance the needs of all stakeholders.
Mahlobo's comments were made during a press briefing at the Johannesburg Water head office in Newtown, Johannesburg, on November 11, 2024. The briefing was an opportunity for the department to provide an update on its progress and address concerns from the public and Parliament. The department's efforts to improve its performance and complete its projects are crucial to addressing South Africa's water challenges.
The delays in the water projects have significant implications for the communities that rely on them. The department's ability to complete these projects is critical to ensuring a reliable water supply and addressing the country's water challenges. Mahlobo's emphasis on progress and willingness to acknowledge failures suggests that the department is committed to finding solutions and improving its performance.
Key points
- Deputy Minister David Mahlobo cites criminality as the main obstacle to completing mega water infrastructure projects in South Africa.
- The DWS is working on six mega projects, including the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the construction of dams in Clanwilliam and Tzaneen.
- The department's delays have significant implications for the communities that rely on the water projects, with many struggling with erratic water supplies.
