The Al Imdaad Foundation has successfully begun distributing water to needy communities in Gauteng after administrative “red tape” from Johannesburg Water initially halted their relief efforts. The intervention of Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, was required to overcome the hurdles and allow the foundation to provide free bulk water.
The humanitarian organisation had sought to deploy its water tankers to assist communities in areas like the West Rand and Johannesburg South, which are experiencing prolonged water interruptions. According to Abed Karrim, Head of Special Projects at the Al Imdaad Foundation, the organisation has a national mandate to assist in water-challenged areas and possesses an 18,000-litre water tanker ready for deployment in Gauteng.
Despite having a national memorandum of understanding with the Department of Water and Sanitation, the foundation’s request to assist was denied by a Johannesburg Water official, citing a need to “monitor and evaluate” the NGO.
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Ministerial intervention breaks deadlock
Following the refusal, the foundation contacted Hendricks, who stated that his mandate from a recent presidential retreat was to cut red tape and bring civil society organisations on board to assist with government projects.
Acting on this mandate, Hendricks went to the Johannesburg Water depot in Emmarentia and used his authority to lift the ban on charities receiving free bulk water. He emphasised that the constitution guarantees the right to access water and that NGOs offering assistance at no cost to the government should be embraced. “I just did my job; removed all the red tape,” Hendricks stated.
As a direct result of the intervention, the Al Imdaad Foundation’s tanker is now actively distributing water in the West Rand. Karrim expressed his gratitude for the “rapid response and the hands-on approach” of the deputy minister. The successful effort has now opened the door for other charities to assist in providing free bulk water across the city.
The issue of a “water mafia” potentially sabotaging infrastructure to profit from the crisis was raised, but Hendricks maintained his focus was on humanitarian work and ensuring the poorest have access to water.
Image via The Citizen.
