Free basic services must benefit the most vulnerable of society

Provision of water to the most vulnerable in the City of Johannesburg remains a top priority. Water is not only a basic right but a human right too, and access to high-quality water is what the City of Joburg strives to achieve each day. An article published in Business Day in March by the Socio-economic Rights Institute’s Alana Potter and Kelebogile Khunou, entitled City Water Policy Hurts the Poor, makes sweeping statements and suggests that the City of Joburg is punishing the poor. It is a trend across our country’s metros to no longer provide free basic water to all residents, but only to registered indigent residents, which is in line with National Water Policy and as recommended by the Treasury. It is important to note that free basic services must benefit the most vulnerable and should never be hijacked for the benefit of those who can afford to pay. As the City of Joburg realigns its services and prioritises service delivery, we cannot but focus our attention on the most vul...