The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Legislature has called for public input as it launches a focused intervention study to address ongoing challenges with eThekwini’s water supply. The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs announced that the initiative aims to investigate the mismanagement and potential corruption linked to persistent service delivery issues in the region.
Committee Chair Marlaine Nair emphasized the significance of this intervention, revealing that they have partnered with the Department of Cooperative Governance to tackle the water crisis in the province’s only metropolitan area.
“eThekwini is the only metro in our province, and we fully understand the severe impact that disruptions to water supply have on the economy, employment, and quality of life,” Nair explained. “Given this, we decided to focus our water intervention study specifically on eThekwini.”
Nair assured that a comprehensive report will be presented once the study concludes, underscoring the importance of public involvement in the process. "As a government, we cannot solely rely on the official side of things; we must also listen to the voices of ordinary people, to better understand the challenges they face," Nair added.
The committee chair expressed deep concern over the water crisis and reiterated their commitment to finding effective solutions. "We are determined to address not only the water issues in our metro but also broader concerns across the province."
In an effort to include public perspectives, the committee is organizing hearings throughout the metro and has invited residents and stakeholders to submit their grievances via email to mthembuv@kznleg.gov.za. Submissions must be received by 2 April 2025.
This initiative aims to ensure that both governmental and community insights shape the strategies for resolving the ongoing water supply challenges in eThekwini.