Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as Chairperson of Inter-Ministerial Committee on (IMC) on Water and Sanitation, will visit the Northern Cape and Free State Provinces tomorrow, Friday, 10 September 2021 to assess the extent of pollution in the Vaal Rivers System as well as water and sanitation related issues in both Provinces.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as an institutional coordinating platform that brings together key players within government, to provide leadership and technical assistance towards the resolution of challenges in the provision of water and sanitation in the country.

This visit is aimed at among others, addressing the structural and systematic challenges in the water value chain resulting in raw sewage flowing into streams, rivers and dams. These sewer spillages and pollution of strategic river systems, pose serious risks to water security, quality of life of communities, and economic development.

The visit will also inform the work the Inter-Ministerial Committee in providing overall political leadership and oversight on the implementation of interventions to support the Emfuleni Local Municipality in resolving the Vaal River System pollution. This will include coordinating collaborative efforts with Provinces and municipalities that contribute to the pollution of the Vaal River System.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, Northern Cape Premier, Dr. Zamani Saul, Free State Premier, Mme Sisi Ntombela, as well as provincial and local government leadership.

Source: Government of South Africa