(2)(a) All the reports (i.e. Annual/quarterly state of water & NMMP bi-monthly) indicate that there is a high risk (100 % risk) associated with drinking untreated water directly from all NMMP hotspots sites / rivers and the risks varies (low, moderate and high) for other fitness for uses at a given period.
(2)(b) The main source of faecal pollution is discharges from poorly maintained or dysfunctional sewage treatment plants into these hotspots rivers and the Department has come up with the Green Drop System to ensure proper management of waste water treatment works or progressive improvement in their operation so as not to impact negatively on the water bodies into which they discharge (i.e. to improve the quality of the effluent). The water use upgrades licenses of other wastewater treatment plants are being assessed and there is ongoing intervention by the Department to assist the municipalities experiencing challenges. The Department is aware that there are still areas (i.e. villages & some informal settlements) experiencing challenges with regard to basic sanitation services (pit latrines/bucket system) and the possible impact and threat they can pose to water resources if not well managed. Municipalities with challenges are being assisted to get access to the Municipal Infrastructure Grant to address sanitation needs.
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