Mamabolo urges municipalities to in-source water tanker services
DA Emfuleni mayoral candidate Kingsol Chabalala welcomed the proposal, saying municipalities should redirect savings towards fixing infrastructure, sanitation, roads, and improving reliable basic services for residents.
The Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo, has blasted municipalities over escalating costs incurred for the temporary supply of water through outsourced water tanker services.
Mamabolo revealed that some municipalities have spent a staggering R264 million over three years on water tanker services.
Mamabolo said while water tankering remains critical in ensuring water security, particularly in areas experiencing water shortages and within informal settlements, municipalities should increase investment in procuring and maintaining their own water tanker fleets.
“We are encouraged by the investments some municipalities are already making towards procuring their own portable water tankers. While this is a welcome development, we believe more resources must be directed towards expanding these capacities, as outsourced tanker services continue to drive significant expenditure,” said Mamabolo.
The department continues to engage municipalities to monitor service delivery challenges and ensure appropriate corrective measures are implemented to stabilise water supply across the province.
The provincial government maintains they are working closely with local and national governments to advance co-ordinated, province-wide interventions to strengthen municipalities. This is being carried out through the Local Government Turnaround Strategy.
The DA Emfuleni Local Municipality mayoral candidate, Kingsol Chabalala, welcomed the move to cut expenditure on water tankers.
“We welcome MEC Mamabolo’s recommendation that municipalities should stop relying on expensive water tanker rentals and instead invest in purchasing their own tankers. This is a practical and cost-saving approach that can help municipalities avoid wasting millions of rand on long-term rental contracts.”
Chabalala said the savings should be redirected towards improving essential service delivery, including fixing water infrastructure, repairing roads, improving sanitation, and ensuring communities receive reliable basic services.
“Public funds must be used to build sustainable municipal capacity and improve the lives of residents, rather than enriching rental companies through costly recurring contracts.”
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