Urgent calls for community engagement in KwaZulu-Natal's water master plan
Image: Paballo Thekiso / Independent Newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal is one of the provinces with the highest water losses in the country, with the 2022 and 2023 no-drop results indicating that the non-revenue water (NRW) averaged 52.6%.
This was higher than the global aggregate of 30% and was one of the water provision challenges the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) stated when they presented their progress report on the KZN Provincial Water Master Plan (PWMP) to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Portfolio Committee on Tuesday.
Other challenges include no planned maintenance programme in relation to aging infrastructure, and also unplanned/reactive maintenance, which is mostly undertaken.
In its presentation, Cogta stated that drinking water quality management remains a challenge in the province, as 21 water systems were found to be in a critical state as per the Blue Drop results published by DWS in December 2023.
This has also resulted in a decline in the water quality in Amajuba, King Cetshwayo, uMzinyathi, and Zululand districts.
The department has implemented what they term seven pillars in response to some of the challenges. They are:
Water resources programme.
Water treatment, bulk distribution, and storage.
Water reticulation programme.
Water conservation/water demand management programme.
Financial sustainability and revenue enhancement programme.
Operations and maintenance programme.
Human resources development programme.
In a brief presentation, the uMgeni-uThukela Water also highlighted several infrastructure projects in various stages of implementation, with the upgrade of the KwaMaphumulo treatment plant from 6 to 12 Ml/d and secondary bulk pipelines (9 Ml/d capacity) through the Mshwathi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (BWSS) in Ilembe District Municipality being one of them.
A presentation by the eThekwini Municipality Water and Sanitation (EWS) touched on the Water Turnaround Strategy and new bulk water schemes.
The strategy addresses 12 key areas of the water business over the short and medium term. A cornerstone of the strategy is to improve the financial position of EWS for the improved maintenance and replacement of assets.
Tim Brauteseth, MPL and DA KZN spokesperson on Finance and Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), was concerned about staff shortages in various entities and non-revenue water figures.
'There must be a clampdown on theft and vandalism of water infrastructure and reduction of algae in the system that is blocking pipes,' he said.
Bonginkosi Mngadi, MPL and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) member, called for more public hearings to listen to the plight of the people on issues of water.
Mngadi called for the prioritisation of boreholes throughout the districts, with emphasis on deep rural areas.
'There are issues of water being supplied by tankers that are using municipal budgets. We need to look into the possibility of boreholes rather than spend money on water trucks. Some of these trucks are travelling quite a distance to reach some areas. Harding is confronted with a drought, and bore holes will assist the residents,' he suggested.
Dr Celiwe Qhamkile Madlopha, ANC MPL, called for roadshows to explain to the public what the challenges are and what is being done going forward with regard to water supply issues.
'When the community raises challenges, they think it falls on deaf ears because they do not know about the good work being done to address it. I am concerned about service delivery on the ground and the grants not being spent,' she said.
Marlaine Nair, chairperson of the KZN Legislature Cogta Portfolio Committee, called for an updated water master plan so that progress can be tracked.
'The planned maintenance and slow implementation are serious concerns for us. Why are municipalities not rolling out plans in place?' she asked.
Otto Bonginkosi Kunene, an IFP MPL, was concerned about water and sanitation rollouts in the province, which he believed were critical in rural communities.
'Sanitation is dignity, it remains a slogan and not being felt in rural areas,' he quipped.
[email protected]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
12 hours ago
- IOL News
Oceans North Tower launch marks new chapter for luxury living and inclusive growth in uMhlanga
Businessman Vivian Reddy having a chat with MC Styles Mbatha at the launch on Friday of the iconic Oceans North Tower. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers A NEW era of luxury and inclusive growth dawned in uMhlanga on Friday evening as the Oceans North Tower was officially launched, accompanied by a surprise announcement of a strategic partnership between Oceans Umhlanga and hospitality giant Southern Sun. The glamourous rooftop ribbon‑cutting event drew an elite gathering of politicians and dignitaries, including government ministers, politicians, eThekwini Municipal Manager, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Durban, business leaders, local celebrities, international guests as well as investors. Guests were treated to champagne receptions, live entertainment, a lavish buffet and glittering views of the new luxury tower. The North Tower itself marks a R1.4 billion segment of the larger R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga development, which includes the award‑winning Oceans Mall and the Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel. Featuring 258 luxury units—from studios to four‑bedroom penthouses—with ocean‑facing views, resort‑style pools, concierge and wellness zones, and direct access to the mall, the tower sets a new benchmark for coastal residential living in KwaZulu‑Natal. Beyond high‑end amenities, the project emphasises socio‑economic transformation. About 50 percent of the North Tower workforce comprised of young Black South Africans, with strong representation of Black women. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Over 24,000 jobs have been created during construction, with many sourced from neighbouring communities like Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn. Developer and businessman Vivian Reddy called the event a milestone fueled by vision, resilience, and collaboration. He said the celebration was a defining moment in a journey that has been powered by determination and extraordinary people. "The Oceans North Tower is more than just a high rise, it is a landmark in belief that when South Africans unite in purpose we can produce something that is not only world class but something iconic. As I look at this tower I feel immense pride, not just in the architecture but in the human spirit behind over 2400 workers, artisans, engineers and professionals who brought it to life with their skills, sweat and unwavering commitment. The Tower is their triumph," said Reddy. He lauded his co-developer Rob Alexander for his unwavering support as well as other key players including the KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund. Speaker after speaker praised Reddy and Alexander for making the province a winning destination, recognising the value and transformative impact that the investment made on the socio economic landscape. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs represented KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, who was unable to attend, applauded the KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund for partnering with Reddy. 'The Oceans Umhlanga development stands as a beacon of progress, vision and commitment to building a prosperous economy in this province. Many of us here have had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of this landmark project from the development of Oceans Mall, one of the largest and most prominent retail centres in South Africa,' said Buthelezi. eThekwini Municipal Manager Musa Mbhele acknowledged the project's significance within the broader urban context. Mbele spoke candidly about the dual realities of a post-apartheid city—challenges of infrastructure and service delivery on one side, and resilience and investment on the other. 'This city has faced immense challenges, from service backlogs to devastating floods. But despite it all, projects like this show our strength and determination. Developers like Vivian Reddy prove that with belief in the city and its people, great things are still possible,' Mbhele said. At the height of the evening, Reddy revealed that Southern Sun will join the Oceans Umhlanga mixed–use precinct by taking significant equity and operational control of the upcoming South Tower hotel and residences. The sweetheart deal has been in negotiations for over a year and cements Southern Sun's long‑term investment in the development. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
COGTA Committee demands accountability from Endumeni Municipality over corruption and audit failures
The Endumeni Municipality has come under renewed scrutiny following a visit by the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature's Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Portfolio Committee. The municipality, where municipal manager Sithembiso Ntombela was controversially promoted to the Premier's office despite being named in a COGTA forensic report into alleged tender corruption, drew sharp criticism during the oversight visit. Committee Chairperson Marlaine Nair described the municipality's recent audit outcome as 'damning', referring to a disclaimer audit opinion – the worst possible – and calling for urgent turnaround strategies. 'The municipality recorded R39 million in unauthorised spending, R228 million in debtor arrears, and electricity losses of 35%, which is far above acceptable norms,' Nair said. 'Budgets remain unfunded, Eskom debt is escalating, and internal systems are weak.' While the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) previously struggled to reach quorum, Nair noted improvements during the session and said the Committee had requested follow-up reports within two weeks. 'These hearings were not simply for complaints,' she added. 'We issued clear recommendations and set out practical follow-up actions. Oversight without enforcement is meaningless – we intend to hold this municipality accountable.' Nair confirmed the Committee would probe all sections of the Section 106 investigation report, as well as reports on consequence management and internal disciplinary proceedings. She also said she would follow up on allegations that performance bonuses were paid to senior officials despite severe governance failures. 'Anyone with credible evidence of corruption or maladministration can write to the MEC and request an investigation,' she added. Responding, FC Bester of the Endumeni Residents' Association said the community had already sent letters to the Premier's office calling for urgent intervention but received no reply. 'We will only believe that action is being taken once heads roll,' Bester concluded. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Understanding the cost implications of the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act on the property sector
If foreign investors exit the South African property market, property prices may cool. Image: Leon Lestrade, Independent Newspapers. The US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 will negatively affect the local property sector's investment dynamics and have cost implications if it becomes law. The bill was introduced by Ronny Jackson, a congressman from Texas, in April. For it to become a law, it will need to be approved by the House and Senate before being signed by President Donald Trump. It accuses South Africa of undermining the United States' interests by maintaining close relationships with the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation, nations that are Pretoria's strong allies and key trading partners. On investment dynamics, Dr Farai Nyika, an academic programme leader in the School of Public Administration at the Management College of Southern Africa(MANCOSA), says South Africa's property sector depends significantly on both domestic and international investment. He said foreign involvement includes not only direct investment in physical developments but also the purchase of South African property-related shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). 'Should the bill become US law, the geopolitical risks associated with doing business in South Africa may deter foreign investors. This could result in a slowdown in physical property developments by foreign investors and a sell-off of South African property stocks. "Such a sell-off would constrain these companies' ability to raise capital, potentially leading to reduced profitability, operational cutbacks, and, disastrously, job losses,' Nyika told "Independent Media Property". The academic leader said it is key to note that the bill, in its current form, may change to broaden penalties beyond what is currently stated, so they could only speculate on its current form. He said it should be remembered that the bill is really targeting South African individuals, rather than the country as a whole. 'However, perceptions matter more than reality and legal precision; for example, though Zimbabwean politicians were the target of U.S sanctions in 2003, the Zim government claimed that the country's subsequent economic hardships were the result of the entire country being sanctioned. "By extension-sanctions that target individuals indirectly harm the economy. Because many property investors will say that they do not want to do business in a country that the 'US is sanctioning'. "Perversely, there could be some economic benefits to the local property market from the U.S sanctioning local politicians. If foreign investors exit the market, property prices may cool. "This could make housing more affordable for locals who have previously been priced out-particularly in urban centres like Cape Town, where gentrification has greatly limited social mobility and access to property ownership,' Nyika said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading With regards to cost implications, he said a large proportion of building materials, especially high-end fixtures for luxury properties and solar technologies, are imported. He said in a country that has been grappling with persistent load shedding and a transition to cleaner energy, the demand for solar and energy-efficient solutions is rising. 'However, if the bill disrupts trade relations or leads to broader sanctions, the cost of these imported materials may increase, raising construction and development costs. This could slow down South Africa's Just Energy Transition in the short term.' With that said, Nyika said economic pressure often fosters innovation. He said historical precedents show that sanctions or trade restrictions can trigger industrial growth-as was the case in both Zimbabwe and apartheid-era South Africa during the 1960s and 70s. 'In the long run, if the South African government were to prioritise industrial policy and local manufacturing, the country could reduce reliance on imports. "This would benefit the property sector by fostering domestic production of certain formerly imported building materials and solar items, improving resilience, and potentially creating new economic opportunities to expand local property.' Asked whether the South Africa property sector will have resort in this regard, Dr Thandile Ncwana, also an Academic Programme Leader at the same institution, said but some of the possible strategic play for South Africa in this situation should the bill be approved, is to mitigate escalation and maintain its relationship with the US by considering engaging in high-level bilateral diplomacy aimed at clarifying its foreign policy positions while reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, trade and multilateral cooperation. She said proactive parliamentary diplomacy, Track II dialogue forums, and regular engagement with the US Congress and civil society actors could help reframe South Africa's stance as one of principled non-alignment rather than strategic antagonism. 'Because reinforcing bilateral economic ties and highlighting areas of mutual benefit, such as climate action, infrastructure development and health, can serve as diplomatic buffers. The government also have a chance to carefully balance between asserting its foreign policy independence and avoiding diplomatic or economic isolation. "This can be achieved by adopting a transparent foreign policy communication strategy, clearly articulating the principles behind its international engagements, and avoiding actions that may be interpreted as tacit support for states or groups under U.S. sanctions,' Ncwana said. She added that multilateralism should remain at the heart of South Africa's diplomacy, and efforts must be intensified to build consensus with African partners, BRICS allies, and Western institutions alike to maintain strategic flexibility and avoid becoming a casualty of great-power rivalry. Politically, she said South Africa should adopt a dual-track diplomacy strategy that preserves its non-aligned international stance while actively engaging U.S. policymakers to dispel misconceptions about its foreign policy positions. 'This includes convening high-level bilateral dialogues, leveraging multilateral platforms like the United Nations and African Union to clarify its principled positions, and re-establishing structured parliamentary exchanges with the US Congress. "South Africa's leadership can also benefit from a strategic public diplomacy campaign that communicates its commitment to constitutional democracy, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution principles historically shared with the US. "These efforts can de-escalate tensions and rebuild political trust, allowing space for honest disagreement without undermining the broader relationship.' Ncwana said that overall, the South African government can lastly play a strategic move by enhancing interdepartmental coordination, particularly between the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Trade and Industry, and National Treasury to ensure cohesive messaging and responsiveness to external developments like the US legislative process. Independent Media Property
