This, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to put a strain on the country’s already ailing water infrastructure. Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, in a parliamentary reply, says many communities that have been battling with water supply due to drought have also been affected by the pandemic. She says her department has distributed water tanks to various provinces and continues to work with municipalities to ensure water supply. Whilst Sisulu has confirmed the provision of water and sanitation services in informal settlements is still a challenge, she said they are working around the clock to ensure water provision to all.

Sisulu's statement comes just weeks after the official opposition in the Free State raised concerns over the lack of water supply to various towns in the province.

The DA in the Provincial Legislature has called on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thembeni Nxagisa, to urgently focus on sustainable solutions for water challenges in the province and also to ensure that bills to water boards are settled.

OFM News