For a soundbite from the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation Mr Leon Basson: https://iono.fm/e/1707390
Parliament, Saturday, 15 August 2026 – Residents of the Greater Ehlanzeni District Municipality have expressed overwhelming support for the Water Services Amendment Bill of 2025.
Residents attending the first of three public hearings convened by the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation at the Graskop Town Hall in Mpumalanga said the proposed legislation could strengthen accountability and improve the provision of water and sanitation services. Residents particularly welcomed the proposals contained in Section 22F of the Bill, which provide for the suspension or revocation of a license where a licensee fails to ensure the delivery of quality water services. Participants said the possibility of losing a license could encourage water service providers, whether internal municipal departments or external providers, to improve their performance and comply with required service delivery standards.
However, residents emphasised that strong legislation alone would not guarantee improved services. They called on the licensing authority to establish a practical and effective monitoring framework to ensure that water service providers consistently comply with prescribed quality and service delivery requirements.
Participants also stressed the urgency of implementing the Bill, noting that communities are currently facing significant challenges due to inadequate water and sanitation services.
There was also a call for the Bill to clearly provide for the duration of water service licenses. Participants argued that periodic license renewal would strengthen accountability by ensuring that service providers remain aware that failure to meet required standards could result in their licenses not being renewed.
The committee also noted with concern the number of communities in the district that continue to rely on water tankers. Residents raised concerns about the sporadic delivery of water through tankers, while the committee expressed concern about the potential abuse of municipal resources associated with tanker services.
The committee welcomed all submissions made during the hearing and assured residents that their views would be carefully considered as the legislative process continues. The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Leon Basson, said residents' contributions would help the committee identify practical solutions to the water and sanitation challenges confronting communities.
The committee will continue its public hearings in Mpumalanga on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at Sinqobile Community Hall in Emalahleni.
MPUMALANGA HEARINGS
DATE | DISTRICT/LOCAL MUNICIPALITY | VENUE/TIME |
Saturday, 15 August | Nkangala District Municipality | Sinqobile Community Hall Emalahleni: 10:00 |
Sunday, 16 August | Gert Sibande District Municipality | Council Chamber, Ermelo:10:00 |
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WATER AND SANITATION, MR LEON BASSON.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
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