South Africa is finalising plans for a National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency and has established a National Water Crisis Committee to address water shortages and infrastructure failures across the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the initiatives in his State of the Nation Address as part of government’s response to ongoing water supply challenges affecting municipalities nationwide.
The moves come as South Africa, which receives about half the global average rainfall, grapples with deteriorating water infrastructure and service delivery problems. Rainfall distribution remains uneven across regions and seasons, compounding supply challenges.
Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi this week said water access is central to dignity, equality and socio-economic development.
“Water is a fundamental component of human dignity and a constitutional right rather than a service,” he said.
Government has reprioritised funding to complete delayed water infrastructure projects and stabilise water systems. Significant progress has been made in the construction of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the Ntabelanga Dam in the Eastern Cape and Gabosch Dam in Mpumalanga.
In Nelson Mandela Bay, the St George’s Park Wellfield project is being developed as an alternative water source. The project focuses on groundwater extraction and treatment to reduce reliance on rainfall-dependent dams.
Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina recently handed over a newly completed borehole to the community of Bronkhorstspruit in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng.
In North West province, government is working to enhance water supply systems in the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, particularly in Rustenburg and Moses Kotane. A recent meeting with local municipalities and Magalies Water at Rustenburg Civic Centre assessed ways to stabilise water supply.
The meeting addressed the status of key infrastructure including the Kortbegrip Reservoir System and Bospoort Plant, with plans to boost their operational capacity.
The initiatives coincide with National Water Month and Human Rights Month in March. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, which enshrines the right to sufficient water and a healthy environment.
Government has called on communities to use water sparingly and report leaks, burst pipes and illegal connections to relevant authorities.
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