Tshwane’s R777 Million Tanker Spend ‘Doesn’t Hold Water,’ says Expert

The City of Tshwane’s explanation for its ballooning water tanker bill has sprung a leak, according to a water rights watchdog. Mayor Nasiphi Moya has dismissed reports of a R777 million overspend as “false” - announcing a forensic probe to clear the air. But WaterCAN’s Dr. Ferrial Adam isn’t convinced. She says even with the city’s “creative accounting,” the numbers remain alarming. Adam adds that pending cancellations and unpaid invoices still count as committed funds. According to her analysis, tanker spending could sit anywhere between R400 and R600 million - far from the fiscal restraint the city claims. Phemelo speaks to Executive Director at WaterCAN, Dr Ferrial Adam.