DWS commits to foster public-private partnerships
To expand partnerships with other sectors, the Department is considering agricultural partnerships for the Vaalharts and Oranje Riet irrigation schemes:
The Department of Water and Sanitation has remained committed to fostering public-private partnerships in order to develop large-scale water and sanitation infrastructure projects in the country.
According to Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Minister Senzo Mchunu made this commitment during a Portfolio Committee meeting on Tuesday, 31 January 2023, where committee members were briefed on several water and sanitation issues.
Minister Mchunu told the Portfolio Committee that the Department was collaborating with mining companies in Limpopo and the Northern Cape to implement mega infrastructure projects.
In Limpopo, for example, the recently launched R 24 billion Olifants Management Model (OMM) entailed the construction of a bulk pipeline from De Hoop Dam to Olifantspoort, as well as from Flag Boshielo Dam to Mokgalakwena.
The OMM also includes water distribution infrastructure for 94 villages adjacent to pipelines that do not currently have consistent water supply.
Minister Mchunu stated that an agreement has been signed between the Department and the Lebalelo Water Users Association (LWUA) under which each party will fund 50% of the project, with LWUA acting as the implementing agent.
“We are also negotiating with mining houses in the Northern Cape to implement a similar joint project to refurbish and expand the Vaal Gamagara Water Scheme, which will include distribution of water to communities. The Scheme is expected to cost R 10 billion, and an agreement is currently being finalized,” Minister Mchunu explained.
To expand partnerships with other sectors, the Department is considering agricultural partnerships for the Vaalharts and Oranje Riet irrigation schemes.
The partnership with the agricultural sector aims to invest in the refurbishment and upgrading of strategic canal systems to ensure the country’s food production.
Minister Mchunu announced the establishment of a Water Partnership Office in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to assist municipalities in entering into public-private partnerships for water services.
The Water Partnership Office serves as a special purpose vehicle for facilitating partnerships and managing joint accounts for specific funding for collaboratively implemented projects.
Water conservation and demand management (particularly reducing non-revenue water), water reuse, wastewater treatment improvement, and seawater desalination are among the special programmes managed by the office.
Minister Mchunu reaffirmed his position and commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of public-private partnerships in order to enhance and improve the delivery of water and sanitation services across the country.
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