Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) is alarmed by the continuing water and sanitation challenges at Madibeng Local Municipality, in North West. The challenges were witnessed during a recent site visit by the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation.
The Committee noted the negative impact caused by the high rates of vandalism and theft to water infrastructure that is adding to the already critical challenges. The continuing vandalism and theft of valves, copper and transformers is a direct contributor to water shortages in many instances and has a negative effect service delivery by the financial resources of the municipality as money budgeted for other purposes, is diverted towards the replacement of these missing components.
Within Madibeng, the Committee noted and appreciated various infrastructure projects underway such as the R63.7 million Wastewater Infrastructure Refurbishment Project as well as refurbishment of water supply pumps at various areas, but there remain a few challenges that require urgent action.
CESA abhors the neglect and damage to infrastructure especially from vandalism and theft. The tendency to destroy what is meant to improve the quality of life is indefensible and our communities need to be informed that the money that should have been used to improve infrastructure delivery has to be rerouted to replace the damage caused by vandalism and theft.
“We are appealing to the people to look after the infrastructure provided so that we can assist the government in accelerating service delivery throughout the country. Backed by over 537 member firms, CESA is willing and able to partner with government and other key role players in finding lasting and practical solutions to these water challenges, especially in relation to infrastructure development,” says CESA Acting CEO Wally Mayne.
More information from Dennis Ndaba, Tel:+27(0)114632022 Mailto:[email protected]
