The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing climate change and its impact on water resources and sanitation services across the country.
Speaking during a workshop organised by the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) in conjunction with the department, the department’s Deputy Director-General, Deborah Mochotlhi, emphasised the significance of urgent measures to adapt to the effects of climate change.
“As a crucial part of South Africa’s development agenda, we recognise the urgency of transitioning to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy in line with our constitutional mandate and recent legislative advancements, including the Climate Change Act of 2024,” Mochotlhi said.
Mochotlhi said the department has developed a comprehensive Climate Change Response Strategy which outlines proactive measures to mitigate the challenges posed by extreme weather events, including floods and droughts.
“We are currently implementing adaptation measures in key water management areas such as Vaal Orange and Limpopo Olifants, utilising insights from recent climate risk and vulnerability assessments,” Mochotlhi said.
In addition to efforts geared towards mainstreaming climate change adaptation into the business plans of water services authorities, she said the department is collaborating with various sectors, including agriculture, to enhance water use efficiency and resilience.
As part of the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation measures, in 2024, capacity building on risk and vulnerability assessments were done by the department for catchment management areas, water service authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Mochotlhi further emphasised the need for collaborative work by key stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector to convene measures that address the negative impact of climate change.
“As we confront the realities of climate change, we call on all stakeholders to unite in our efforts to secure water resources and ensure safe sanitation for all South Africans. It is imperative that we act swiftly and decisively, leveraging on our legislative frameworks and fostering partnerships to address funding and resource needs,” Mochotlhi said.
The workshop, held in Pretoria this week, aimed to unpack South Africa's critical need for climate adaptation readiness in the water sector as part of the country's broader Just Transition Strategy.
The workshop was attended by senior government representatives from departments including Human Settlement; Fisheries and Forestry and the Environment; Agriculture and National Treasury.
The department's obligations towards responding to climate change within the water and sanitation sector are outlined in the Water and Sanitation Sector Policy on Climate Change, which is mandated by National Policies, and Regional and International Policy Frameworks, which South Africa is a signatory to. – SAnews.gov.za
