Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Agency (VOCMA) Chief Executive Officer, Lerato Morake, has emphasised that protecting South Africa's water resources requires strong partnerships between government, communities and water users.
Speaking during a public consultation on the proposed 2027/28 raw water tariffs in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, Morake said every contribution made through raw water tariffs helps safeguard the country's rivers, dams and catchments, while enabling the agency to fulfil its mandate of managing and protecting water resources for current and future generations.
"We appreciate the water users who continue to pay for the use of our water resources. Your contribution enables us to carry out our responsibility of protecting, managing and sustaining these vital resources, which are the foundation of our country's social and economic development," Morake said.
The consultation, hosted by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in partnership with VOCMA, formed part of a nationwide public participation process aimed at engaging water users and key stakeholders on the proposed tariff adjustments for the 2027/28 financial year, before they are finalised.
The agency spans five provinces, including the Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape, North West and Gauteng, and includes a broad range of water users.
The department said the consultations provide an important platform for stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the raw water pricing process, the factors influencing tariff adjustments, and the role that tariffs play in ensuring the sustainable management and protection of South Africa’s water resources.
Raw water tariffs are reviewed annually to ensure that sufficient funding is available for the protection, management and sustainable development of the country’s water resources.
Revenue generated through these tariffs contributes to water resource management activities such as monitoring water quality and quantity, protecting catchments, operating and maintaining water infrastructure, and ensuring the long-term availability of water for domestic, agricultural, industrial and economic development.
The department said the consultation also demonstrates its commitment to transparency, accountability and meaningful stakeholder participation in the annual raw water tariff-setting process.
“By engaging directly with water users, the department seeks to ensure that stakeholders understand the methodology used to determine tariffs and have an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and make informed submissions before the tariffs are approved,” the department said.
The session was attended by representatives from DWS, VOCMA, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Merafong City Local Municipality, Harmony Gold Mine and other stakeholders representing various water use sectors.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all water users and stakeholders to ensure that South Africa’s water resources are managed sustainably, equitably and efficiently for the benefit of all. - SAnews.gov.za
