Honourable Members,   In responding to the water crisis, we are drawing on the experience of our successful response to the electricity crisis.   The implementation of the Energy Action Plan brought to an end more than a decade of persistent load shedding.   We have taken the same approach of focused, coordinated actions into developing the National Water Action Plan.   The Plan, which is being overseen and coordinated by theNational Water Crisis Committee, was developed following extensive consultation with municipalities, water boards and relevant departments.   The National Water Action Plan is based on a thorough analysis of the root causes of the water crisis at municipal level and what needs to be done to address the challenges.   It identifies actions that will significantly improve water service delivery in the short-term as well as actions – suchas legislative and other reforms – that will take longer.   Both the Energy Action Plan and the National Water Action Plan are part of Operation Vulindlela, the reform programme being coordinated and driven by the Presidency.   The challenges in the water sector are caused by deep structural problems at the municipal level.   These structural problems include the fact that revenue from the sale of water is not ring-fenced and re-invested into water provision.   In most municipalities, there is no proper separation of the functions of water services authorities and water services providers.   The measures being undertaken to improve water services in the short-term include projects to increase access to water in unserved communities and completion of long-delayed water services projects.   We are increasing support to struggling municipalities and strengthening interventions in poorly performing municipalities in terms of existing legislation.   We are also combating corruption and criminality in the water sector, including theft of metal parts for sale as scrap metal and the water tanker mafia.   Through the progress we are making, we are confident that the implementation of the National Water Action Plan will result in the resolution of the water crisis, both in terms of restoring reliable water to deprived communities and eradicating sewage pollution.   Importantly, it will address many of the immediate water challenges that communities face, while establishing a foundation for sustainable and secure water supply into the future. #RamaphosaQandA(Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦)