OUTA’s WaterCAN, together with the Durban-based and world-renowned South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), have joined forces with other civil organisations and water authorities to set up a water forum in an attempt to address the ongoing water crisis in the province. 

The water forum, led by civil society, aims to facilitate regular engagement between civil society and government entities involved in water delivery. 

The decision to set up the forum was taken at a public meeting attended by more than 100 community members – representing a variety of organisations, from ratepayer associations to shack dweller movements. Senior delegates from both the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board were delegated to attend as well. 

The forum is expected to create better communication channels and rebuild trust between authorities and affected communities. 

WaterCAN, along with various other Gauteng-based civil society partners, launched a similar forum in Johannesburg which also includes Rand Water, Johannesburg Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation.

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