In collaboration with the Alex Peace Ambassadors and various organizations, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) conducted public consultations on the Water Services Act and the National Water Act Amendment Bills in Alexandra township, Gauteng on Wednesday, 28 February 2024.
The purpose of this dialogue was to gather comments from interest groups and the public on these important pieces of legislation. The deadline for submitting comments is Friday, 1 March.
Present at the dialogue were the Alex Water and Sanitation Community Forum, the Department of Economic Development Affairs- Consumer Affairs, ALX FM, the Men’s Forum, IEC, and the Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project.
During the dialogue, Mashile Tshigofatso from the DWS Gauteng Communications unit explained the purpose of the Water Services Act and the National Water Act amendment bill, which were published on 17 November 2023.
Mashile highlighted that amending these laws would strengthen the DWS’s role as a regulator in the water and sanitation sector, addressing socio-economic challenges in the country.
Thabo Mopasi, representing the Alex Peace Ambassadors, reinforced the importance of collaboration and engagement, urging the public to submit comments before the deadline. He emphasized the potential of these legislations to improve lives nationwide.
The DWS is actively seeking input from the public and interest groups through this civic education dialogue and comments submission process, aiming to create legislation that is inclusive and representative of society.
David Mawelewele from the City of Johannesburg’s Office of the Speaker stressed the significance of participation, warning that those who do not engage may later regret not having their views included in the bills.
As the submission deadline nears, the DWS reminds the public to submit their comments before the end of the day on Friday, 01 March 2024. Individuals are encouraged to send their submissions to Ms. Mapula Khuduga at Khudugam@dws.gov.z or call 012 336 7835.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.