Public consultations on raw water tariffs

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has started public consultation meetings on the proposed raw water use charges for the 2025/26 financial year. During these meetings, the department will get inputs from various role players within the sector on the proposed raw water charges prior to the finalisation, approval and implementation of the proposed water use charges. The consultations are also aimed at ensuring transparency in the determination of raw water charges for public buy-in and support. In terms of the National Water Act of 1998, the department is required to establish an annual raw water pricing strategy after consulting widely with different water users, including mines, industries, agriculture, energy and domestic users. 'Different stakeholders need to be consulted before the final approval by the Minister of Water and Sanitation as mandated by the National Water Act, which states that extensive consultation should be undertaken before an organ of State increases any price of bulk reso urces supplied to municipalities and municipal entities,' the department said. The Tuesday, 23 July, a consultation meeting is being held at the MidVaal Water Company in Orkney in the North West. Wednesday's meeting will take place at the Loft Guesthouse in Bethlehem, Free State. The last day of the consultations will be held at the Southern Sun Pretoria, corner of Stanza Bopape and Beatrix Streets, Arcadia, on Friday. The meetings will start from 10am - 2pm. Source: South African Government News Agency