The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation note further disturbing media reports on financial challenges pertaining to the Department of Water and Sanitation.
In a reported statement on Sunday, April 9 the committee reported about the allegation that the Water Trading Entity related to the department has an overdraft of around R3.5 billion and is unable to account for about R654 million on its books.
Subsequent to the committee’s concern on the persistent media reports especially in relation to the department’s control of its financial resources apportioned by parliament.
The minister and the department have however assured the committee, over a number of meetings, that the financial affairs of the department are in order.
Whilst the committee has accepted the guarantee given by the department, it will move with speed to investigate the recent media reports. The committee reiterates its stance that taxpayers’ money must be used in a responsible manner as per the laws and financial regulations of this country.
Furthermore, the non-payment of services by municipalities and water boards have long been a concern to the committee which encourages the department to swiftly attend to the implementation of debt collection strategies in order to prevent debt from negatively impacting on the department and its entity and preventing delivering on their mandate.
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