DA calls for hearings on Gauteng’s widespread water shut-offs

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has urged Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water to convene special sessions for Gauteng’s water entities and municipal leaders to appear and explain the significant failures responsible for widespread water shut-offs across much of the province.

Stephen Moore, DA deputy spokesperson on Water and Sanitation, said the announcement this week by Rand Water of reservoir levels dropping by almost 35% in the last month was alarming and demanded immediate action.

Moore said it is clear that urgent interventions are needed to prevent the complete collapse of the water supply system.

Moore said that Gauteng’s water crisis stems from a combination of pressing issues.

He said these include failing bulk infrastructure disrupts supply and leads to the loss of millions of litres.

“[Secondly] Billing and payment failures have resulted in enormous debt at both the municipal level and within water entities. A lack of skills and competence has