Pretoria - Newly appointed Minister of Water and Sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane says her tenure as minister will be characterised by ensuring rural communities have access to water, upgrading water infrastructure and working with residents to conserve the precious resource.
“We will be going to all the affected communities to mobilise them to become partners in finding the solutions to the problem of access to water,” said the minister after taking her oath of office, along with other Cabinet ministers at a ceremony in Pretoria on Monday night.
According to the minister, rural communities will get attention from government.
“Both issues of water and sanitation are a priority because we have to ensure that people in the rural areas have access to water including in the areas where you find that there is economic development and water goes across those villages, we have to deal with that.”
The minister said it was important that government teaches people how to use water sparingly.
“We also have to look at issues of preservation and recycling. We must we use water sparingly and, most importantly, in an effective manner.”
Minister Mokonyane added that it will be important for government to work together with communities.
Old bulk water infrastructure was another aspect that required attention, especially in informal settlements. She said her department will work closely with the Department of Human Settlements in this regard.
President Jacob Zuma announced his new Cabinet on Sunday evening. - SAnews.gov.za
