Water utility company addresses raw sewage reports
Rand Water clears the air after media reports surface of raw sewage found in parts of the Vaal River.
According to Rand Water, recent media reports associating the issue of raw sewage in parts of the Vaal River with the water supplier are factually incorrect.
The reports further aligned the sewage issues with the performance of the organisation’s chief executive.
“It is vital in this context, that the matter of role segregation in the water sector in South Africa is clarified.
“Rand Water is responsible for the bulk potable water services provision,” said Justice Mohale, media relations manager for Rand Water.
“Water resource management of all surface and groundwater is a competency of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).”
Rand Water was appointed by the DWS as an implementing agent for the Sedibeng Regional Sewer Scheme (SRSS).
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The project entails the upgrading of sewer treatment plants within the Sedibeng District Municipality, in order to provide for the ever-increasing sewage flows from current and planned housing developments in the region.
Rand Water alleged they cannot assume any responsibility for environmental pollution emanating from non-functioning sewer pump stations as their role in the region does not include the operation and maintenance of any existing sewer treatment plants and sewer pump stations.
In this instance, the sewer infrastructure is owned by the Emfuleni Local Municipality and is best positioned to respond to questions in respect of inadequate and failing infrastructure.
Rand Water also maintained that the funding of the scheme comes directly from the department and annual financial allocations are grants paid towards the execution of the SRSS.
Rand Water’s project implementation plan is aligned with the available funding every year and approved by the DWS.
“Although the implementation of this project has its fair share of challenges, including community unrest in the area which led to work stoppages, steady progress has been made,” said Mohale.
“Sebokeng’s wastewater treatment plant 50 Ml/d upgrade is at a completion level of 94 per cent for civil works, 91 per cent for mechanical works and 98 per cent for electrical works.
“While Meyerton’s wastewater works 15 Ml/d upgrade is at an overall completion of 94 per cent for civil works, 85 per cent for mechanical works and 85 per cent for electrical works.
“In Rothdene the sewer pump station is 100 per cent complete.”
On the issue of payment of bonuses to all staff, Rand Water stated that these were awarded after performance targets were reached as set out by the board of Rand Water, as well as the relevant policy at the time.
A rigorous auditing process to confirm the level of performance prior to the approval of the pay-outs is also undertaken during this time.
“The Rand Water Incentive Scheme is aligned to the framework provided by the Shareholder-Department of Water and Sanitation.
“Adherence to these prescripts is observed at all times,” said Mohale.
The Rand Water performance scorecard, against which the chief executive’s performance is assessed, comprises a number of key performance indicators.
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Minimum standards of performance are set for all indicators for balanced scorecard dimensions.
Rand Water is assessed against the organisation’s expected outputs and milestones in relation to the SRSS as agreed by the DWS.
“Performance on the Sedibeng scheme is not the sole determinant of bonuses, although it remains an important factor.
“The chief executive’s performance contract cuts across various factors such as financial, social and people, technical and operational efficiencies.
“Performance achievements against all indicators are calculated to determine if the chief executive qualifies for a bonus.
“Bonuses for Rand Water executives in addition to being audited internally and externally are also approved by both the board and the Minister of Water and Sanitation.
“The letter referencing the bonus payment to the chief executive by the former Minister of Water and Sanitation was responded to by Rand Water and an agreement was reached that the applicable Rand Water policy at the time be implemented,” said Mohale.
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