Leon Basson, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, says public hearings on the Water Services Amendment Bill are expected across South Africa. Image: ParliamentPublic hearings on the Water Services Amendment Bill are expected to address persistent challenges facing South Africa’s water sector, including unreliable water and sanitation services. Basson said the Amendment Bill seeks to address inadequate management and maintenance of water infrastructure, declining water quality, accountability gaps and weak enforcement mechanisms. Among the key proposals contained in the Water Services Amendment Bill are: The introduction of a mandatory licensing system for all water service providers, with a 12-month compliance period following the finalisation of regulations. A clearer separation of responsibilities between Water Services Authorities and Water Services Providers to strengthen accountability.