Speaker, there are many concerned citizens who say that the challenges in our water sector are beginning to bear a resemblance to those that sounded the initial alarm bells of the current energy crisis.
Water availability and quality have been compromised. Water pollution and the poor management of water resource infrastructure have culminated in severe water shortages in some places with measurable health impacts and environmental damages. What we want to know, hon Minister, is what specific actions are local governments in Gauteng province in particular taking, to ensure that they do not experience water shortages in the year 2013, as has been predicted by many. Thank you.