Latest news with #Mahlobo
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Urgent steps to enhance water security in Africa: Insights from the G20–AU Summit
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo addressed delegates on water infrastructure investment and security during the final day of the G20–AU Africa Water Investment Partnership Summit in Cape Town. Image: File The final day of the G20–AU Africa Water Investment Partnership Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre highlighted the urgent need to protect and expand water infrastructure across the continent. Delegates heard that organised criminal networks, funding gaps, and climate-related pressures were threatening access to clean water and sanitation, and that decisive action was required to safeguard communities and support development. Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, warned that critical water infrastructure was increasingly targeted by 'water mafias' through vandalism, illegal connections, and extortion. 'These acts are not petty crimes,' Mahlobo said. 'They undermine the constitutional right to water, threaten public health, disrupt education, and impede economic activity.' 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 He explained that pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs, and treatment plants were being damaged, while contractors faced intimidation and extortion aimed at halting or manipulating projects. Illegal connections were compounding the problem, reducing supply and placing additional strain on already vulnerable systems. 'Communities suffer the most, particularly in rural and informal settlements, where water scarcity and sanitation failures pose serious public health risks,' he said. To address these challenges, Mahlobo outlined reforms aimed at strengthening governance, oversight, and coordination. The government is establishing professionally managed utilities for water services, introducing performance-based contracts for both public and private operators, and implementing monitoring systems to safeguard infrastructure. Law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks and SAPS, are actively involved in dismantling criminal networks and prosecuting offenders. Mahlobo stressed the importance of long-term investment and capacity-building. Sustainable infrastructure projects must combine reliable financing with local training and community engagement to ensure services are maintained over time. 'It is not just about constructing dams or pipelines; it is about ensuring the services are maintained, the communities are empowered, and the infrastructure remains secure for years to come,' he said. He outlined ongoing initiatives to expand South Africa's water supply, including bulk water infrastructure, rehabilitation of treatment plants, and improved rural distribution. He called for collaboration between government, private investors, and communities to ensure water security translates into social and economic development. The summit also provided a platform for African countries to share best practices, align with continental frameworks like the Africa Water Vision 2025, and leverage development partner support. Mahlobo said measurable commitments, clear timelines, and secured funding were essential to turning plans into action. He emphasised the importance of integrating governance reforms, technology, and community engagement to ensure infrastructure is protected and effectively managed while ensuring reliable water and sanitation services for all. Namibia's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared water security challenges. She highlighted Namibia's investments in bulk water infrastructure, groundwater management, and rural water supply, stressing that sustainable water management is essential for food security, public health, and economic growth, particularly in arid regions. Zaamwani also emphasised involving communities in governance and using technology to monitor efficiency and water quality. 'The summit has reinforced that water security cannot be addressed by one country alone. We must work together to protect shared resources, attract investment, and ensure that every citizen has access to safe, reliable water and sanitation,' she said.
The Citizen
06-08-2025
- The Citizen
Glendale Saps station commander survives shootout
Glendale Saps station commander, captain Nhlaliyenza Mahlobo, survived a shootout with three armed robbers last week. Mahlobo had reportedly responded to a call for backup in the Sinamfini area of Maphumulo and later joined a high-speed chase in pursuit of the three men towards KwaLuthuli, where they stopped and allegedly opened fire. Despite being alone in the chase vehicle, Mahlobo returned fire and hit one man, Thandokuhle Qwabe (28), in the stomach. The other two men fled the scene and are still at large. Mahlobo was uninjured. Qwabe was initially under police guard in hospital, but recovered enough to make his first appearance in the Ndwedwe Magistrate's Court on Monday. He has been charged with the attempted murder of a police officer and armed robbery and has been remanded in custody. He will next appear at the Nsuze Magistrate's Court for the armed robbery case. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Lepelle responds to water project criticism
Under fire for slow delivery, Lepelle says its leadership overhaul and new contractors are already showing real progress. The department of water and sanitation under Minister Pemmy Majodina is partly blaming the Lepelle Northern Water board (LNW) for the slow provision of water and the completion of bulk water infrastructure projects in Limpopo. Lepelle is a state-owned water utility responsible for bulk water provision and the construction of bulk water projects in Limpopo on behalf of the national department. Deputy Minister David Mahlobo said many of the projects being implemented by LNW are subjected to long delays. Many Lepelle Northern Water board projects delayed for long In addition, there is widespread dissatisfaction with the performance of LNW among water service authorities in Limpopo. He said the department has arranged for Rand Water and Lebalelo Water User Association to provide support to LNW to improve its infrastructure procurement and project and contract management. ALSO READ: 'They will rue the day we crossed paths': Limpopo mayor threatens construction mafia after stalled projects He said LNW is also getting support from the Government Technical Advisory Service in the National Treasury to improve its infrastructure procurement. According to Mahlobo, the Infrastructure Fund is now assisting Lepelle with financial structuring and project management for the Olifantspoort-Ebenezer project. Mahlobo said the department has reduced the allocation of new projects to Lepelle to enable the agency to focus on the completion of its existing projects, while improving its service to water authorities in Limpopo. Development Bank of South Africa appointed as implementing agent Mahlobo said the Development Bank of South Africa has been appointed as implementing agent for the Musina-Zimbabwe water transfer scheme and the Nandoni water treatment plant upgrade. The agency defended itself, saying since the new leadership took office in 2021, LNW has been on a significant turnaround path. ALSO READ: Limpopo villagers plead with rain queen to end drought 'From early 2023, LNW has instituted several reforms and operational improvements, particularly in the management and execution of capital projects. 'Many of the older, underperforming contractors have been terminated and new capable service providers have been appointed,' said LNW chief executive officer Cornelius Ruiters. New appointments delivering measurable progress Ruiters said the new appointments were delivering measurable progress and projects were now being implemented within budget and on schedule, 'a testament to a new culture of professionalism and accountability at LNW'. 'We have also restructured our internal operations, including the establishment of a dedicated engineering division staffed by qualified professionals to oversee all infrastructure projects.'
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Water projects worth R50bn to be constructed in Limpopo while progress on older projects stalls
Although construction of some of the bulk water projects began years ago, most are yet to get off the ground. The Limpopo provincial government is working with the department of water and sanitation (DWS) to construct new bulk water projects worth more than R50 billion, while many of the province's other water projects are either stalled or progressing at a snail's pace. Outlining some of the long-term bulk water projects at The Ranch Hotel, near Polokwane last weekend, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo said he was worried that the completion of Limpopo's water projects had been delayed for extended periods. 'The DWS does not have the capacity to implement water services projects directly. We are not provided with funding to establish this capacity because water services are a municipal function and not a DWS function,' he said. ALSO READ: R213m down the drain as Limpopo residents still have no water Mahlobo said progress meetings with all the water services authorities are held every month. 'But despite these measures, projects are still often delayed, primarily due to poor performance by contractors and payment service providers.' Limpopo's water projects delayed The Citizen understands that although construction of some of these long-term bulk water projects began many years ago, most are yet to get off the ground. For example, the Giyani water treatment works is still appointing an implementing agent and construction is only expected to start in July 2025. The Giyani bulk water project began in 2014 with a budget of R900 million. It was meant to be completed in August 2017, but the project is still not complete. It has so far cost the government more than R4.5 billion. The Mooihoek/Tubatse bulk water supply project is almost complete, with the contractor currently addressing a snag list to finalise the project. The Nebo bulk water supply is still in the scoping phase. Offtake to Schoonoord (Phase 3C) and Marulaneng (Phase 3B) is complete, but functionality depends on the completion of Malekana to the Jane-Furse pipeline. The R129 Mametja/Sekororo bulk water supply Phase 1 is delayed due to Eskom power connections, while RM04 experienced the same electricity problems for the water treatment works and boreholes. ALSO READ: Multi-billion Limpopo mega-project has ground to a halt Addressing a South African Local Government Association (Salga) lekgotla in Polokwane last week, Mahlobo said many water and sanitation projects in Limpopo have been subjected to lengthy delays. Mahlobo blamed corruption in the DWS and implementing agents, poor planning, poor performance of contractors, weak project and contract management by implementing agents, vandalism and theft, and illegal connections. Investigations into the Giyani water project by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) are ongoing. The former CEO and CFO of Lepelle Northern Water (LNW), a state-owned water utility responsible for bulk water provision in Limpopo, resigned. One LNW manager has been charged and dismissed. The SIU is also filing criminal and civil litigation to recover funds. New water projects Some of the long-term bulk water projects to begin between 2025 and 2030 are the N'wamitwa Dam, with an estimated budget of R6 billion, the Beitbridge/Musina intergrated water supply scheme, with an estimated R2 billion budget and the 10-year R25 billion Olifants management model water project. This massive project is meant to supply water to three municipalities, Jane Furse, Mogalakwena and Polokwane. Phase 1 of the project began last year. When complete, it is expected to provide water to 39 000 households. Phase 1 of the Olifants/Ebenezer bulk water scheme began last year with an estimated cost of R18 billion. The project is scheduled to start pumping 114 megalitres of water per day in 2027 and ultimately 270 megalitres of water per day in 2029. NOW READ: R3bn allocated to fix Limpopo's roads and build new ones
Eyewitness News
08-06-2025
- General
- Eyewitness News
Deputy Water and Sanitation Minister applauds work done to tackle sewage spills in Lekwa Municipality
JOHANNESBURG Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has commended the strides made in tackling long-standing sewer spillage and water quality issues within the Lekwa Municipality in Mpumalanga. Mahlobo, alongside other water and sanitation officials, handed over the recently completed sanitation projects to the mayor, Sifiso Mngomezulu. Lekwa Municipality has long battled significant failures in its water and sanitation system — leading to widespread sewer spillages, posing health and safety risks to communities. Last year, the Standerton Regional Court highlighted the severity of the environmental damage by imposing a substantial R70 million fine on the municipality Mahlobo says the department is looking to bring the system into functionality by October this year. "On our intervention as a department, in the main, this area was filthy. The sewage was running into people's homes in the street, into public facilities, and worse, they were polluting the Vaal River system that ends up actually polluting Gauteng, Free State, Northern Cape up to Namibia and that intervention has yielded results."
