Minister Mchunu and delegation descend on Western Cape to assess the status of water and sanitation

This morning marked the first day of the meeting of the ministerial delegation in the Western Cape. From Wednesday 24 November to Friday 26 November 2021, Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu along with Deputy Ministers Dikeledi Magadzi and David Mahlobo are in the Western Cape Province at the Protea Marriot Hotel in Stellenbosch.

The objective of the visit is to assess the state of water and sanitation in the province. The 3-day working session will entail Ministry engaging with the Executive of the Western Cape led by Premier Alan Winde, the executives of the Western Cape Water Services Authorities, sector stakeholders, Water Users’ Associations etc.

DWS Spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, said since assuming office early in August this year, Minister Mchunu is visiting all provinces to get first-hand information on the challenges facing each province regarding water and sanitation. This will not be the first time Minister Mchunu is in the Western Cape. On 29 October he visited Khayelitsha after residents raised concerns about deplorable sewer spillages.

Collaborative efforts between National, Provincial and Local Government and other sectors are key in resolving water and sanitation challenges concludes Ratau.

Meanwhile, the Department of Water and Sanitation and Breede-Gouritz Management (BGCMA) are monitoring the flood situation in the Southern Cape. The following are the latest flood-related updates in Southern Cape:

• All roads in and out of Knysna are open and accessible; Low water bridges in Oudtshoorn have been re-opened.
• The Lowline bridge at Riverside before Botlierskop and Brandwag in Kleinbrak is closed to traffic due to flooding
• In light of the overflowing of Wolwedans Dam and the high tide at 17:00 yesterday, the Groot Brak river is being monitored, residents of The Island have been placed on high alert.

The DWS and BGCMA in conjunction with disaster management structures in municipalities, is assessing possible flooding damage.

For more information contact: DWS Media Liaison Director Sputnik Ratau on 082 874 2942

Source: Government of South Africa