Madam Minister, the Emthanjeni Local Municipality, in which De Aar falls, had a Blue Drop score of only 63% in 2012, which is lower than in 2011. The main reason for the decline was lower microbiological compliance.
The leading inspector said, amongst other things, that the reservoirs needed scouring. In the most recent Green Drop Report, the De Aar wastewater treatment plant received only 20,8%, a decrease from the previous 31%, making it one of the worst wastewater plants in the country.
The inspector noted poor effluent quality compliance in De Aar. While it is accepted that managing drinking water and wastewater is the competence of municipalities, the Department of Water Affairs is the regulator.
If we consider the poor performance of the Emthanjeni municipality, what is it that the department is doing to ensure that the performance of the municipality improves in future?