Govt exploring cross-border solutions to address SA's water scarcity problems - Ntshavheni
The threat of inadequate water supply has crippled provinces, including Gauteng, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, forcing the country to turn to neighboring nations to meet its water supply demands.
JOHANNESBURG - Government says it’s exploring cross-border solutions to address the country's water scarcity problems.
The threat of inadequate water supply has crippled provinces including Gauteng, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, forcing the country to turn to neighboring nations to meet its water supply demands.
In order to mitigate the myriad of challenges to Limpopo’s water security, the water and sanitation department has signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Zimbabwe to Musina.
Briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said treated water from the Beitbridge water treatment works would be funneled to the drought-stricken municipality.
"Cabinet was updated about the signing of an agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe to transfer 41 megalitres of water per day, work to construct a 20km pipeline and pump station to ensure the transfer of this water will commence shortly."
Meanwhile, Ntshavheni said the completion of the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was a priority.
Delays in the Lesotho expansion have raised concerns about exacerbating water constraints in Gauteng.
"Cabinet established a water task team, to be chaired by Deputy President Mr Paul Mashatile, that will give dedicated focus to the resolution of the water challenges facing the country. This task team will be constituted by the Department of Water & Sanitation, COGTA, Human Settlements, Public Works & Infrastructure, Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development and the police."