Ms Lerato Morake, Chief Executive Officer (VOCMA),
By Marcus Motshegwa
Bethlehem
The Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Agency (VOCMA) in the Free State Province, in partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) recently held a public consultation meeting with water users in
Bethlehem under Dihlabeng Local Municipality as part of its stakeholder engagement procedure on the planned raw water use charges for the 2027/2028 financial year.
The consultation brought together representatives from the agricultural sector, municipalities, industries, businesses, organized water user associations, and other key stakeholders to discuss the proposed tariff adjustments and provide
an opportunity for participants to raise questions, share concerns, and make submissions before the charges are finalized.
Raw water use charges emerge as a serious role player in safeguarding sustainable running of South Africa's water resources. The revenue made from these charges is used to support the maintenance, operation, and restoration of national water infrastructure. The charges also strengthen water resource management programs and enhance the smooth delivery of water services across the country.
Addressing the meeting, Ms Lerato Morake, Chief Executive Officer (VOCMA), emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders throughout the tariff- setting process. “Public participation is a basis of effective water resource management. These consultations provide water users with an opportunity to understand how the
proposed charges are determined while allowing the Agency to consider valuable input before the tariffs are approved”, said Ms Morake.
Ms. Lerato Morake further highlighted the importance of cooperation betweengovernment and water users in protecting one of the country's most valuable and scarce natural resources.
“Water is a mutual resource that requires shared responsibility. Through these engagements, we are strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to ensure that water resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of present and
future generation, “Said Morake.
During the consultation, officials explained the methodology used to determine the proposed raw water use charges, including factors such as infrastructure operation and maintenance costs, inflationary pressures, water resource
management requirements. Participants were also informed of the legislative framework governing water pricing and the public consultation process.
Participants welcomed the opportunity presented to engage directly with officials, with some raising questions on the possible impact of the proposed charges on farming operations, municipal water supply, and economic
development within the region. Taking into consideration the number of critical vacancies still to be filled in the agency for efficient operations, VOCMA’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr Neo Smouse responded to the concerns andencouraged stakeholders to submit additional written comments within the prescribed consultation period.
The Department reiterates its obligation to transparent, inclusive and accountable governance, noting that meaningful stakeholder contribution remains essential in achieving equitable and sustainable water resource
management. Water users were encouraged to continue participating in the consultation process to help shape decisions that will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the county’s water sector.
The consultation forms part of a wider national program by (DWS) Department of Water and Sanitation to engage water users across South Africa before finalizing the raw water use charges for the 2027/2028 financial year. Feedback received during these consultations will be thoroughly considered before the proposed tariffs are submitted for approval in unity with the National Water Act and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
