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AfriForum submitted comments to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), opposing the water tariff increase that took effect on Thursday, 11 February 2016.

“We are very concerned about Government’s thirst for money whilst the tax payer is carrying the burden of funding both municipal money misuse and non-revenue water (40% of drinking water of which 32% is lost due to leakage). There is already enough money that’s either being wasted, stolen or not spent,” said Hein Gonzales, AfriForum’s Provincial Coordinator for Mpumalanga.

AfriForum proposed to the DWS to re-advertise the revision of the pricing strategy for water use charges as well as to make a credible Regulatory Impact Assessment, as prescribed by the Presidency, available for public comment, seeing as the existing document doesn’t contain any coherent and legitimate reasoning for acceptance.

AfriForum highlighted the following:

1.    To reject the proposal to introduce a system of depreciation based on replacement value;
2.    That the DWS prepare a draft bill with the view of establishing a water regulation authority similar to the National Energy Regulator to ensure that the determination of the costs of water is de-politicized and determined and consistent; and
3.    The DWS must take the necessary steps to set aside the illegitimate introduction of water research levies by the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.

“We do believe that water is a scarce resource and needs to be treated with respect, but one cannot expect the agricultural sector and tax payer to fund mismanagement of resources whilst governmental assets are subsidised,” said Gonzales.

Marcus Pawson, AfriForum’s Head of Local Government Affairs, is of the opinion that Government needs to start protecting the citizens and farmers of the country. “It is time for the DWS and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to step up and subsidise the tax payer and farmers in order to improve technology that can lead to less wastage and usage of water to ensure sustainability. Enforcing the law against negligent officials in their personal capacity can fund their capital needs,” added Pawson.

SMS the name of your town to 45354 and join AfriForum’s water initiative to ensure the sustainable use and protection of our water resources. R1/SMS

Issued by AfriForum