EA plans to conduct over 10,000 inspections of water company assets.

The UK government has announced its largest-ever budget to tackle water pollution, providing the Environment Agency (EA) with over £189 million for the 2024/25 financial year

This investment marks the biggest increase in enforcement powers in a decade and is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change.

EA responsible for inspecting water companies and prosecuting environmental damage, will use the funding to recruit more enforcement officers, upgrade equipment, and implement modern technologies. Steve Reed, Environment Secretary said, "This government is cleaning them up, including the biggest boost to enforcement in a decade paid for by the water companies responsible for it.

In 2024 alone, the EA plans to conduct over 10,000 inspections of water company assets. Since July 2024, it has launched a record 81 criminal investigations into pollution incidents involving water companies.

The budget for the EA has increased by 64% since the 2023/24 financial year. Importantly, this increase is fully funded by charges paid by water companies—not by taxpayers.

 Reed emphasized the public's growing concern: "The public are furious about sewage pollution in our rivers, lakes and seas." He added, "Our changes give the water watchdog the resources they need to tackle pollution and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good."

To ensure efficiency, EA has committed to strict spending targets. In the current year alone, it has achieved savings of over £23 million.

Further support will come through a proposed new levy on the water sector, currently under consultation. Introduced under the Water (Special Measures) Act, this levy will help the EA recover enforcement costs, allowing quicker action against pollution.

The EA’s efforts will also expand to the agricultural sector, with plans to carry out 6,000 farm inspections annually by 2029. These inspections aim to reduce runoff and pollution from farms into rivers and lakes. This major funding and new powers underline a strong push to improve water quality across the UK.

Utility tractors are compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to operate. (Image Credit: Balkrishna Industries Ltd.)

In today’s agricultural landscape, utility tractors—often called ‘wildcard’ tractors—remain one of the most sought-after and strategic choices for small to medium-sized farms

With power outputs ranging from 70 to 130 horsepower, these machines are designed to handle a wide array of tasks, from light fieldwork and transport duties to front loader operations in tight spaces such as barns, vineyards, and orchards.

Versatility is a cornerstone of utility tractors, and tyre choice must mirror this adaptability. That’s where Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) steps in. BKT offers customised tyre solutions, blending advanced technologies and modern compounds to deliver tyres that are reliable, durable, and fit for varied terrain and tasks.

Utility tractors are compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to operate—qualities that make them indispensable for day-to-day farming activities. Their ergonomic design guarantees comfort during extended operating hours, while their powerful traction and manoeuvrability allow productivity even on loose or uneven soil. Whether it’s ploughing, weeding, transporting hay, or navigating narrow barns, utility tractors offer unmatched flexibility.

BKT provides tyre models specifically designed for utility tractor use in order to support these demands. These include:

AGRIMAX RT 765 – Excellent for open-field use, offering even weight distribution, reduced soil compaction, and strong self-cleaning properties.

AGRIMAX RT 855 – A versatile option suitable for multiple terrains, delivering high traction and tear resistance. Ideal for tractors frequently moving between the field and the road.

AGRIMAX RT 657 – Reliable for both tillage and road transport, with select sizes suitable for grape harvesting. Noted for its comfort and fuel-saving design.

BKT continues to support evolving agricultural practices by developing tyre patterns that meet the real-world needs of utility tractor operators. With durability, performance, and operator comfort in mind, BKT’s solutions help farmers maximise productivity and manage agricultural resources more effectively.

Eric Muuga explained the delay in the Thwake Dam. 

Eric Muuga, Kenya's water and irrigation cabinet secretary explained to senators the reasons behind the delay in the construction of the Sh42.3 billion Thwake Dam 

He cited the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic as factors affecting progress. Muuga faced skepticism from lawmakers, especially Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo, who questioned how these events impacted a project that stalled a year ago.

Muuga argued that the war caused a shortage of explosives needed for the dam’s foundation, while the pandemic led to a reduced workforce. He also mentioned that challenges with the dam’s height and the weak foundation required additional construction work. Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua expressed doubt about the contractor’s presence on-site, recalling an experience where excuses related to Covid-19 and later the Ukraine war were used for delays.

Muuga clarified that Thwake Dam is designed to be the largest rock-filled dam in Kenya, with a capacity of 688 million cubic metres. He stressed the importance of allowing time for the foundation’s embankment to settle to prevent future issues, stating that this settlement could take six to nine months. The cost breakdown reveals that the African Development Bank is providing Sh35. 6 billion, and the Kenyan government is contributing Sh6.71 billion.

Initially scheduled for fulfillment in December last year, the project is now set for completion by October 30, 2025. Upon completion, the dam will supply water to 1.3 million people, generate 20 megawatts of hydropower, and irrigate 100,000 acres, benefiting various areas in both Makueni and Kitui counties.

The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline.

The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure has praised the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure for its strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year

The committee Chairperson, Rikus Badenhorst, said, "This is not a mere tweak of the department, but a fundamental shift in how it understands and executes its core mandate. Minister Macpherson's agenda marks a critical departure towards a department that catalyses infrastructure-led growth, a partner in job creation, and a driver of economic recovery."

Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure, presented these plans, highlighting their alignment with the National Development Plan & commitment to economic recovery and job creation.

The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline, with a budget of R7.2 billion to create long-term, dignified jobs. Rikus highlighted the importance of this shift for restoring human dignity and economic resilience. The committee also supported the department’s initiatives for urban regeneration and optimising state assets to enhance public value.

While in conversation with Macpherson, Badenhorst said, "It is clear that you bring political will to the table. This committee will match it with rigorous oversight, constructive engagement, and institutional support. Together, we can turn this department, and indeed South Africa, into a construction site of progress.”

Badenhorst expressed confidence in the Ministry's leadership and the committee's readiness to provide oversight and support in driving these reforms for South Africa's progress.