Service Delivery

March is National Water Month

The City, through its Water and Sanitation Department, joins the rest of the country to commemorate what has been dubbed National Water Month starting from 1 March 2021.

This is an annual programme and the theme for this year is Valuing Water.

This commemorative month is jam-packed with activities that will run throughout the month to highlight the importance and value of water for communities and businesses, particularly during these difficult times of COVID-19.

Water Month 2021 in Ekurhuleni will focus on the following:

  • It will showcase what has been achieved by the City in delivering clean quality water and this will include an update on the reservoirs that have been built by the municipality;
  • To promote water conservation as water remains a scarce resource in South Africa; and
  • To promote CoE as a preferred investment destination where reliable services are rendered to contribute to the success of businesses operating in the City.

The supply of water to citizens is mandatory for all municipalities and this is enshrined in the constitution of the country, and other government laws and plans including the National Development plan.

  • Section 27 (1) (b) of the Constitution of South Africa clearly articulates that everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food and water.
  • The National Water Act (NWA) of 1998 and the Water Services Act of 1997 both are complementary and provide a framework for sustainable water resource management while enabling improved and broadened service delivery. The NWA is founded on the principle that all water forms part of a unitary, interdependent water cycle, and should thus be governed under consistent rules. It contains comprehensive provisions for the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of the South African water resources.
  • National Water and Sanitation Master Plan sets out the critical priorities to be addressed by the water sector until 2030. It also sets out annual measurable outcomes inclusive of roles and responsibilities, time frames and associated estimated costs.
  • The National Development Plan was launched in 2012 and provides a detailed blueprint for how the country can eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by the year 2030. The national blueprint articulates that all South Africans will have affordable, reliable access to sufficient safe water and hygienic sanitation by 2030.

https://www.dws.gov.za/campaigns/NationalWaterWeek2021