The visit is presented by the department as an effort to build capacity and transfer skills. (Photo: David Mahlobo/X)
AfriForum has questioned the Department of Water and Sanitation’s decision to send a delegation to Japan, and says that local expertise should instead be used to deal with South Africa’s increasing water crisis.
The visit, led by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, is presented by the department as an effort to build capacity and transfer skills in order to strengthen the delivery of water and sanitation services.
AfriForum recognizes that international cooperation can have value, but says that training and technical support can already be provided by existing institutions in the country.
According to the organization, South Africa has established centers of expertise, including the water research commission, which are authorized and funded to drive research, training programs and operational water management solutions locally.
AfriForum further announced that it will make a formal request for full disclosure of the costs of the Japan visit, including flights, accommodation, allowances and the size of the delegation.
The organization also demands details on the measurable outcomes the government expects from the visit, as well as timelines for their implementation.
Photo to illustrate: Residents of Blairgowrie, Johannesburg, protested in March about large-scale water shortages in the City of Gold. (Photo: WIKUS DE WET / AFP)
“The country does not have a shortage of skilled engineers, hydrologists, technicians and municipal water practitioners. What is lacking is decisive management, maintenance and accountability,” says Lambert de Klerk, manager for environmental affairs at AfriForum.
AfriForum doubts that the international visit will bring immediate relief to communities suffering from water interruptions.
The organization says the resources could instead be used for the repair of infrastructure and the strengthening of implementation capacity at the municipal level.