§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 16 January 2002,Official Report, column 311W, on Botswana, what action she has taken to secure water access for the San bushmen of South Africa. [34574]
§ Hilary BennThe Government of South Africa recognises the rights of access to basic water supply and sanitation in its 1996 Constitution and, through its Free Basic Water Policy, aims to make available 6,000 litres of water per month per household free of charge. This policy is motivated on the grounds that water is a basic service which is essential for health and that affordability should not constrain the access of poor and vulnerable people to this service. This policy applies to all disadvantaged and vulnerable groups within South Africa, including the San.
DFID is providing assistance to the South African Department for Water Affairs and Forestry, to support their water services sector programme, with the goal of enhancing the livelihoods of marginalised groups through the creation of access to sustainable water and sanitation services.