Deputy President Paul Mashatile says municipalities will purchase water tankers in areas where they are needed, in an effort to deal with the so-called ‘water tanker mafia’.
Mashatile is answering oral questions in the National Assembly.
These include the commissioning of the Brixton reservoir and the insourcing of water tankers. While more long-term stability is expected from a 20-million-litre Cotswold reservoir and expanded Rand Water capacity.
Mashatile says, “We have said to them, we want to empower them to deal with the water tanker mafia. What the government is going to do is to buy the trucks, the insourcing you’re talking about, so we will insource so that its government that has the capacity to supply”.
Mashatile added that municipalities will be required to ringfence water revenue.
“Let’s take the example of Johannesburg Water, it will get R60 billion from water, then it becomes a good revenue base to use for other things. We are saying a sizeable chunk of revenue from water must go to water infrastructure and maintenance of water infrastructure”.
Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile answers oral questions in the National Assembly
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/cherry-blossoms-bloom-at-montreal-s-botanical-garden.jpg?id=58372870&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=45%2C0%2C45%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're planning your next spring getaway, you don't have to travel all the way to Japan to experience breathtaking cherry blossoms. As per Skyscanner's latest <a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/travel-trends/botanical" target="_blank">travel trends report</a>, Canada has its own stunning cherry blossom hotspots, with Montreal earning a spot among the top destinations for fans of the flower in 2025.</p><p>The report, shared in an email with MTL Blog, highlights that 71% of Canadians enjoy visiting gardens on vacation, while over half (55%) are eager to see cherry blossoms this year. This aligns with Skyscanner's 2025 "horti-culture" travel trend, as travellers increasingly seek out picturesque natural escapes.</p><p>Typically, cherry blossoms in Montreal bloom between April and May, but warmer temperatures could lead to an earlier showing.</p><p>With that in mind, here are a handful of the best places to experience cherry blossoms in Montreal this year, according to Skyscanner.</p><h3>Parc Jean-Drapeau</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFMyyWKlAdr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3db41d3-b11c-4cc7-be22-40f0f296c92f" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFMyyWKlAdr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3db41d3-b11c-4cc7-be22-40f0f296c92f" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Located on île Sainte-Hélène and Notre Dame Island, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/parc-jean-drapeau" target="_blank">Parc Jean-Drapeau</a> offers a breathtaking springtime display of cherry blossoms that line its scenic paths and waterfront views. Whether you're jogging, biking, or just strolling along, you'll find yourself surrounded by delicate pink blooms creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.</p><h3>Montreal Botanical Garden</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCWsYrLtUS/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCWsYrLtUS/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>One of Montreal's most beloved spots, the Montreal Botanical Garden boasts a dedicated Japanese Garden where cherry blossoms bloom beautifully each spring. Visitors can take a peaceful walk through the immaculately designed garden, soaking in the tranquillity and beauty of nature's seasonal show.</p><h3>Westmount Park</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlrr86DKG1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b2123c2-87f4-4ce5-9948-704387dabe63" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlrr86DKG1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b2123c2-87f4-4ce5-9948-704387dabe63" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Nestled in one of Montreal's most picturesque neighbourhoods, Westmount Park offers a lush urban oasis with cherry blossom trees that enhance the park's elegance. The quiet, relaxing vibe makes it a popular spot for locals looking to enjoy a picnic under the blossoms or capture the perfect Instagram shot.</p><p>Other popular cherry blossom hotspots in Canada included:</p><ul><li>Toronto, ON: High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, University of Toronto St. George Campus (April–May)</li><li>Ottawa, ON: Commissioner’s Park, Major’s Hill Park, Dominion Arboretum (April–May)</li><li>Victoria, BC: Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, Government House Gardens (March–April)</li><li>Halifax, NS: Halifax Public Gardens, Point Pleasant Park, Dalhousie University (April–May)</li></ul><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p><p><br/></p>
