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Local government

Water Provision Crisis in South Africa: A Critical Assessment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mayibongwe Maqhina's Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina painted a dire picture of the state of water provision in South Africa during her department's appearance before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa). Majodina emphasized that while her department is responsible for building water resources, the provision of water reticulation is a mandate of local government. She highlighted the problems of water reticulation in municipalities, stating that there was no crisis when it came to the provision of bulk water supply. Majodina noted that the problems lie in the technical capacity and skills of municipalities, as well as the lack of revenue collection and utilization for water infrastructure maintenance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 105 municipalities are performing dismally in water services, with 144 water services authorities in the country struggling to provide water.
  • The water boards were owed R25 billion by municipalities by the end of April 2025, posing a serious threat to the sustainability of the water sector.
  • The growing debt has implications not only for the municipalities that have not paid their bills but also for the entire province.
  • The department is engaging premiers, MECs, water service authorities, and mayors to ensure that municipalities pay their water bills.
  • The department has taken specific measures to ensure the security of the water supply, including stabilizing water boards, improving water quality, and developing a new financial model for ageing infrastructure.
  • The department is bringing in reforms in the local government sector, where some municipalities are water service authorities and others are both authorities and service providers.
  • The top 20 municipalities in ICU will receive intervention from the department, working with Human Settlements, National Treasury, Electricity and Energy, and Cogta.

Statistics:

  • 144 water services authorities in the country
  • 105 municipalities are performing dismally in water services
  • R25 billion owed to water boards by municipalities by the end of April 2025
  • The department is withholding the Equitable Share to force municipalities to start servicing their debt

Sources:

  • [Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa)]
  • [Department of Water and Sanitation website]

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