The DA in the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM) has expressed grave concern with the slow pace of and apparent single stakeholder driving the Xhariep pipeline project. The multimillion water line is aimed at securing the water supply to Mangaung and surrounding municipalities.
The national Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has revived the project after it was abruptedly halted.
Noting the department in question has even initiated a new Environmental Impact Assessment for public participation process to ensure progress, Tjaart van der Walt, DA councillor, said this was a cause for concern on the commitment to Intergovernmental Relations Framework.
The framework is intended to establish a framework for the national, provincial, and local government to promote and facilitate intergovernmental relations, which include critical projects to improve the delivery of services.
“While water security for the Mangaung Metro is a critical matter, needing to be addressed holistically, the DA is concerned about the continued silo functioning of different stakeholders involved. From the public participation process and discussions with the Mangaung management, the DA has ascertained that Mangaung is either unaware of or uninterested in the project by the DWS.
With an estimated price tag of R16 billion, the DWS is unable to provide any clarity on the funding and tariff implications of this project. If this cost is fully amortised by Mangaung over 50 years, it could equate to a monthly cost of R26 million, which currently has a cash revenue of about R30 million from water and has paid an average of R26 million over the past 11 months.
“With Mangaung’s water losses surpassing 40%, above the national norm, translating to over R400 million per annum, the DA calls on Mangaung, the Vaal Central Water Board (VCW), and the DWS to urgently agree on a shared vision and path to water sustainability,” said Van der Walt.
According to him, the lack of an integrated governmental approach to water sustainability threatens progress.
“It must be noted that mega projects such as these are poised for failure if their financial and political viability, feasibility, and alternatives are not fully taken into consideration before mass expenditure starts. It is crucial for the full iteration of the project to be agreed upon by the DWS, the VCW and Mangaung before the project commences.”
