DA lashed over ‘pre-poll’ water projects

THE ANC has accused the DA of “silly season pre-election” politics after the province’s ruling party released a statement about two desalination plants being planned for the Western Cape.

The statement, issued by the DA on behalf of MPP Ncebe Hinana, has also been slammed by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

The department says the DA has jumped the gun and the ANC says the DA is trying to score political points using the real threat of drought.

Hinana admitted the statement lacked vital information and that he would have more details about “the pilot projects” next week. “The province is in a water crisis and water (de) salination is vital. South Africa is facing its worst drought in 23 years. If we want to maintain a secure water supply, we will have (to) pursue alternative measures,” he said.

Hinana said Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell had recently indicated in the provincial legislature that desalination plants are being planned for Saldanha Bay and Sedgefield.

“Securing our water supply requires more than educating our people about conservative water usage. Desalination is the process by which sea water is purified and made fit for human consumption. It is becoming more popular globally,” Hinana said.

National Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson Sputnik Ratau said: “The DA has basically jumped the gun. The studies have not been completed yet. It’s still a very long way off.

“There is no finality on the research for these two projects. Financial modelling still needs to be done.”

ANC MPL Richard Dyantyi said: “What is very clear is that we are beginning to see the beginning of the silly season as the election approaches next year.

“Water and sanitation is a national competency and we will see the DA doing similar things as the elections approach.” carlo.petersen@inl.co.za

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