Business urged to invest in H2O

South African minister of water and sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane, pictured, yesterday urged the business community to invest in the country’s water security in a bid to prevent the collapse of one of the sectors on which the economy rests.

Speaking at the Water Infrastructure Investment Summit 2017 in Johannesburg, Mokonyane said the conversation aims to shift the water and sanitation sector investment landscape to a space that is open for investment and inclusive growth opportunity.

Mokonyane said investment in the water sector would also mean the emergence of new players, specifically blacks, women and the youth.

“We are seeking a new partnership with the business and investment sector to ensure water security in South Africa in a manner that firstly ensures access to safe water and sanitation universally and in line with sustainable development goals,” Mokonyane said.

“Radical socioeconomic transformation entails, among others, the introduction of new models and mechanism of working relationships that will enhance the effective and efficient delivery of services to the people. This means that we have to look at new ways for an integrated water resource management.

“Efforts to manage, protect and preserve water as a critical resource in a sustainable manner speaks to the collective responsibility of all the stakeholders in the water sector.”

Mokonyane has threatened to cut the water supply to 30 municipalities should they fail to pay their outstanding debt by Friday. – ANA