According to Rand Water, recent media reports associating the issue of raw sewage in parts of the Vaal River with the water supplier are factually incorrect.<\/p>\n
The reports further aligned the sewage issues with the performance of the organisation\u2019s chief executive.<\/p>
\u201cIt is vital in this context, that the matter of role segregation in the water sector in South Africa is clarified.<\/p>\n
\u201cRand Water is responsible for the bulk potable water services provision,\u201d said Justice Mohale, media relations manager for Rand Water.<\/p>
\u201cWater resource management of all surface and groundwater is a competency of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).\u201d<\/p>\n
Rand Water was appointed by the DWS as an implementing agent for the Sedibeng Regional Sewer Scheme (SRSS).<\/p>\n
The project entails the upgrading of sewer treatment plants within the Sedibeng District Municipality, in order to provide for the ever-increasing sewage flows from current and planned housing developments in the region.<\/p>\n
Rand Water alleged they cannot assume any responsibility for environmental pollution emanating from non-functioning sewer pump stations as their role in the region does not include the operation and maintenance of any existing sewer treatment plants and sewer pump stations.<\/p>\n
In this instance, the sewer infrastructure is owned by the Emfuleni Local Municipality and is best positioned to respond to questions in respect of inadequate and failing infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Rand Water also maintained that the funding of the scheme comes directly from the department and annual financial allocations are grants paid towards the execution of the SRSS.<\/p>\n
Rand Water\u2019s project implementation plan is aligned with the available funding every year and approved by the DWS.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough the implementation of this project has its fair share of challenges, including community unrest in the area which led to work stoppages, steady progress has been made,\u201d said Mohale.<\/p>\n
\u201cSebokeng\u2019s wastewater treatment plant 50 Ml\/d upgrade is at a completion level of 94 per cent for civil works, 91 per cent for mechanical works and 98 per cent for electrical works.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile Meyerton\u2019s wastewater works 15 Ml\/d upgrade is at an overall completion of 94 per cent for civil works, 85 per cent for mechanical works and 85 per cent for electrical works.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Rothdene the sewer pump station is 100 per cent complete.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the issue of payment of bonuses to all staff, Rand Water stated that these were awarded after performance targets were reached as set out by the board of Rand Water, as well as the relevant policy at the time.<\/p>\n
A rigorous auditing process to confirm the level of performance prior to the approval of the pay-outs is also undertaken during this time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Rand Water Incentive Scheme is aligned to the framework provided by the Shareholder-Department of Water and Sanitation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdherence to these prescripts is observed at all times,\u201d said Mohale.<\/p>\n
The Rand Water performance scorecard, against which the chief executive\u2019s performance is assessed, comprises a number of key performance indicators.<\/p>\n
Minimum standards of performance are set for all indicators for balanced scorecard dimensions.<\/p>\n
Rand Water is assessed against the organisation\u2019s expected outputs and milestones in relation to the SRSS as agreed by the DWS.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerformance on the Sedibeng scheme is not the sole determinant of bonuses, although it remains an important factor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe chief executive\u2019s performance contract cuts across various factors such as financial, social and people, technical and operational efficiencies.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerformance achievements against all indicators are calculated to determine if the chief executive qualifies for a bonus.<\/p>\n
\u201cBonuses for Rand Water executives in addition to being audited internally and externally are also approved by both the board and the Minister of Water and Sanitation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe letter referencing the bonus payment to the chief executive by the former Minister of Water and Sanitation was responded to by Rand Water and an agreement was reached that the applicable Rand Water policy at the time be implemented,\u201d said Mohale.<\/p>\n
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