DA raises concerns over EC water quality

The DA said it was concerned about the latest Green Drop report, which revealed 72.3% of the province’s waste water treatment plants were classified as “high risk”.

“Of the 14 WSA [water service authorities] reviewed, only OR Tambo and Ndlambe municipalities improved on their scores, while the other 12 all regressed,” said DA shadow MEC for the department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), Vicky Knoetze.

“Ten municipalities, which account for 48 wastewater systems, scored lower than the minimum benchmark of 31%, which means these systems are to be placed under regulatory surveillance and that these municipalities will be required to ring-fence water services grant allocations to address shortcomings.

“The report notes that the highest risks were at the treatment level and pointed to wastewater treatment works that exceeded their design capacity, dysfunctional processes and equipment, especially disinfection, lack of flow monitoring and effluent and sludge noncompliance.”

It is estimated that more than R650bn is needed to restore the WSAs to adequate levels.

“Of particular concern is that 22 directives for non-compliance have been issued to 11 municipalities, six to Koukamma, four to Chris Hani District Municipality, and three to Amathole District Municipality,” Knoetze said.

She said the DA would request feedback from Cogta regarding the critical status of the water treatment systems and called on the provincial government to allocate more infrastructure towards restoration and regular maintenance.