Government promises solution to 20-year water woes, sewage stench plaguing Emfuleni
Years of water and sanitation failures leave Emfuleni residents desperate, but is there hope on the horizon? Ray White interviews Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo.
Picture: Pixabay/balouriarajesh
Ray White (in for 702's Bongani Bingwa) is joined by David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.
Listen below:
No water, and sometimes the stench of sewage...
These are the problems facing Emfuleni, south of Johannesburg.
The area has been dealing with a water and sanitation crisis for several years, and residents are desperate for a solution.
A collaboration between the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Gauteng Provincial Government, Rand Water, and Emfuleni Local Municipality has made some progress in addressing these issues.
But the partnership is not going to yield overnight results.
Mahlobo admits the problems date back to 2004/2005.
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"Those who were there at a particular time made the decision to do nothing about a deteriorating situation."
- David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
"The damage has been too much."
- David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
Mahlobo says Emfuleni Municipality is one of the worst-performing municipalities when it comes to the provision of water.
"The water quality is bad, and the right of citizens to have access to water was violated."
- David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
Last week, Mahlobo told the media that collaboration was essential for equitable access to water, and the Department of Water and Sanitation says things are improving in Emfuleni.
They say it's thanks to the national government, Gauteng’s Provincial Government, Rand Water and the Emfuleni Local Municipality working together.
But why has it taken 20 years for action to be taken, asks White.
Mahlobo blames poor leadership.
"Sometimes leaders make a decision to do nothing about a problem."
- David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
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"I am definitely sure that the right foundation has been laid... but the damage has been too big. It's going to take time."
- David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
How long, asks White?
"Over the next three to five years."
- David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.