Water crisis: City does have the proverbial bull by the horns

REGARDING the drought crisis: the desalination and augmentation process is under way. It has not been cancelled. Despite impressions having been created by media reports over the weekend and yesterday that the City’s emergency augmentation programme has been “cancelled”, this is not true.

It has emanated from allegations by a company who never submitted a formal tender to the City of Cape Town. While the City is approaching the resolution of this drought crisis with utmost urgency, it may not deviate from legislated processes.

Considering proposals outside of formal supply chain management regulations would amount to entertaining unsolicited bids. Contrary to allegations emerging over the weekend, the City of Cape Town’s augmentation programme is progressing with urgency.

The first tender batch which was issued comprised small-scale temporary containerised desalination plants (with a combined yield of about 15 million litres per day) in Hout Bay, Granger Bay and Dido Valley.

The tenders received were, however, non-responsive. The tenders are being re-advertised and these initiatives have not been cancelled.

The augmentation programme consists of more than the first tenders.

The City is pursuing a mix of alternative water resources (desalination, groundwater and water reclamation) together with aggressively reducing consumption to ensure that existing surface water can sustain us through to winter of 2018.

The City has to ensure we run a fair process for all competitors, receive a product that the City has asked for, and that Cape Town needs.

The City has an appeal process in terms of the Municipal Systems Act, which is a platform for bidders to raise disputes or appeals on tender processes.

All tender processes are being conducted in accordance with the City’s supply chain management policy which complies with national legislation.

Neither the mayor, nor any politicians, are part of the tender processes.

We encourage bidders to participate in the tender.

The private sector is part of the solution to securing Cape Town’s water future.

Initially, 17 sites were explored, but this was reduced to 10 sites after environmental considerations were factored in.

Furthermore, the sites must be situated close to the reticulation system for the water supply to enter the supply system.

All programmes are continuing. During this time of heightened concern on the subject of water, it is now more important than ever for information that is shared to be factual and for stories not to be proliferated solely for the fanning of sensationalist fires. Councillor Xanthea Limberg Mayoral committee member for informal settlements, water and waste services; and energy, City of Cape Town