Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The DA is concerned about the reported deteriora-ting quality of water in the North West.
This comes after only one water system in the province managed to meet the requirements of the blue drop status.
“Only the Potchefstroom water system in JB Marks qualifies for Blue Drop status and is thought to be in excellent condition. The water in Rustenburg and Matlosana do not qualify for blue drop status, but is acceptable and not critical,” said Carin Brits, DA chief of staff.
The NW not only experiences significant water shortages, with thousands of residents not having access to running water, but according to the Blue Drop report, the water quality is poor.
Thirteen systems are regarded as being in poor condition.
While only thirteen other systems are “average” and five are “operating well”. The report also lists a number of major concerns that the DA has long been raising, including ineffective operations, faulty infrastructure, insufficient dosing rates, a lack of disinfection chemicals, inadequate monitoring, and a lack of operating and chemical knowledge.
The report makes use of specific criteria in determining the quality of the water, specifically aimed at protecting consumers from unsafe and unsuitable water.
The lowest TSA score, which assessed how well raw water handling, water treatment, and processed water delivery were done, dropped from 28% to 18%. This significant drop increas-es the risk to residents, while the biggest concern is Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ngaka Modiri Molema, and Kgetlengrivier, which has the lowest Blue Drop score of 21.60%.
The report also voiced concerns about the lack of skilled technical personnel. A problem that can mostly be attributed to the ANC’s insistence on hiring unqualified cadres for critical technical positions.
