Mashatile unveils water deals, admits capacity and corruption gaps

By Thapelo Molefe

Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Tuesday defended government’s expanding use of public–private partnerships (PPPs) to stabilise collapsing water and sanitation systems, telling the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) that private capital and technical expertise had become essential as municipalities struggle with governance failures, decaying infrastructure and dwindling delivery capacity.

Mashatile appeared before a hybrid sitting of the NCOP to answer oral questions from delegates, beginning his response by noting that the session coincided with the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.

Responding to Chief Whip Kenneth Mmoiemang’s question on strengthening PPP investment, Mashatile said the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) had recorded a “severe decline” in municipal capacity, with national water reliability sitting at 68% and water quality deteriorating in 60% of supply systems.

“Many of our municipalities are grappling