Mhlathuze Water, in KwaZulu-Natal, is set to be disestablished on June 30, as the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) progresses the reconfiguration of its various water boards.
Mhlathuze Water’s staff, assets and liabilities will be transferred to Umgeni Water on July 1, to form a single water entity, uMngeni-uThukela Water, which will accelerate the provision of bulk water in the province.
The DWS is calling for public nominations for members who will be appointed to serve on the uMngeni-uThukela water board for a four-year term.
The new nonexecutive board members will be mandated to provide an oversight role and support the executive management to deliver value-added services and business confidence in discharging their roles and responsibilities commensurable to a leading bulk water services utility in South Africa, said Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu.
“Our expectations are quite high. We are looking for people who will want to contribute their knowledge and expertise in the sector, and not just want to improve their pockets. I will not hesitate to shut anyone out who has no intention of working to improve the provision of water in the province, and ultimately, the whole country,” he warned.
In the interim, until a new board is appointed, Umgeni Water’s board will oversee the governance of uMngeni-uThukela Water.
Mhlathuze Water was established in 1980 and predominantly operated in the uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo and Zululand district municipalities.
The reconfiguration comes amid plans by the DWS to have a single water entity operating in each province.