municipalities
infrastructure
T
Water Sewage & Effluent November/December 2016
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he South African government has
allocated billions of rands this year
for the upgrade and construction of bulk
waterworks over the medium term, as
the country finds itself in the midst of a
severe and prolonged drought.
However, there is currently little
information about how and where this
budget allocation is being spent. While
neither Rand Water, nor the Department
of Water and Sanitation would answer
specific questions around government
investment in infrastructure, it is
understood that billions are being spent
on various water infrastructure projects
across the country.
According to finance minister Pravin
Gordhan’s budget speech earlier this
year, budget allocations for water
infrastructure this year take into
account the special needs of droughtaffected areas and the need to address
water losses in critical supply networks.
“The Regional Bulk Infrastructure
Grant programme has been allocated
R15-billion over the medium term for
the construction of the bulk water and
sanitation infrastructure,” he stated.
This year, the Department of Water
and Sanitation has already reprioritised
R502-million to deliver water, protect
springs, and refurbish boreholes in
response to drought conditions. Funds
have also been provided for feed
and support for livestock farmers,
as well as disaster relief measures.
Gordhan also revealed that additional
drought response allocations would be
made, as required, in the adjustments
appropriation later this year.
According to National Treasury,
over the medium term, the Department
of Water and Sanitation will continue
to develop and rehabilitate water
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