With a new National Water Amendment Bill in the pipeline, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) could soon go directly after individuals such as municipal managers and mayors.

DWS Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo addressed stakeholders at the release of a weevil to control the salvinia invasive weed at Hartbeespoort Dam on Monday.

“We are dealing with these invasive alien plants because of the pollution damage caused over the years,” he said. “Wastewater treatment infrastructure was not maintained and managed by suitably qualified people.”

The Bill means that the government will hold individuals personally liable for water pollution. Municipal managers and mayors could face fines or jail time if their municipalities fail to maintain wastewater treatment works and pollute water systems.

“Once you know you are going to jail, maybe your sense of urgency will be awakened,” the minister said.

The new Bill proposes fines of up to R1m for first-time offenders and R10m for repeat offenders, and potential prison time of five to 10 years.

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