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In an effort to root out corruption in the Department of Water and Sanitation, Minister Gugile Nkwinti announced sweeping changes in the management of major infrastructure projects.

The announcement was made during a media briefing convened by Minster Nkwinti today, 02 April 2019 at the DWS Head Offices in Pretoria.

In terms of Sections 74 and 103 (2) of the National Water Act, Minister Nkwinti issued a directive to the Trans–Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) to provide programme management services to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on the following water projects:

• De – Hoop Water Project
• Mzimvubu Water Project
• Loskop Water Project
• Xhariep Bulk Water Supply
• Clanwilliam Water Project

In his directive, Minister Nkwinti said TCTA should utilize its capabilities and resources to increasing support DWS in its infrastructure mandate that will enable the effective delivery of water and sanitation services to the public.

“The directive shall be implemented in line with all applicable laws and the new Implementation Model that promotes effective utilization of the department’s own Construction Unit in the implementation of the managed projects and socio-economic transformation in the execution of projects”, he said.

He instructed TCTA to develop a Business Plan and a service level agreement shall be concluded by the end of April. Once concluded, a Technical Task Team will be established with officials from DWS, TCTA, Water Service Authorities, relevant institutions impacted by the projects and as well as Provincial COGTA officials to analyze a suitable model for implementation funding for each project.

In addition, Minister Nkwinti signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise a relationship with Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

DBSA will be entrusted to perform programme management services in the following projects:

• Giyani Water Project
• Nandoni Nsami Pipeline
• Nwamitwa Dam
• Tzaneen Dam
• Polokwane (Ebenezer and Olifants
• Vaal Gamagara Project

DWS faces enormous challenges of inadequate capacity for effective programme planning and co-ordination, necessary for ensuring effective project preparation, roll out and delivery to specifications, on time and within budget.

The announcement by the Minister Nkwinti is in line with pronouncements that he articulated during his Budget Vote speech when he introduced his turn-around strategy to improve the optimal operations of the department, and ensuring there is value for money for the poor and marginalized communities of our country.

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation