The financial collapse of the Department of Water and Sanitation, together with reports of operational dysfunction, is almost as worrying as the state of the country’s water security in certain provinces. Fortunately, Parliament appears determined to get to the bottom of the problems, with a joint committee of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts agreeing to institute an inquiry. It has also been reported that some lawmakers are intent on ensuring that criminal charges are pursued against those responsible for the unacceptable financial leaks.