Government Sets Aside R12.3 Billion to Improve Water Services Nationwide

Majodina said government is accelerating projects and strengthening partnerships to ensure residents receive reliable water and sanitation services.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has allocated R12.3 billion in infrastructure grants to municipalities during the current financial year as government steps up efforts to improve water and sanitation services across South Africa.

Speaking during her budget vote speech in the National Council of Provinces on Wednesday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said several interventions are underway to tackle ongoing water shortages, ageing infrastructure and sanitation problems affecting communities in all nine provinces. Many areas continue to experience interrupted water supply, sewage spillages, malfunctioning wastewater treatment facilities and significant water losses. These issues have placed growing pressure on municipalities and highlighted the need for faster action.

Majodina said government is accelerating projects and strengthening partnerships to ensure residents receive reliable water and sanitation services.

Large-Scale Projects Underway Across Provinces

The department is focusing on completing delayed projects, repairing failing treatment facilities, extending water services to underserved communities and developing alternative water sources.

Among the key projects currently receiving support is the R2.6 billion bulk water supply programme serving Mthatha, Libode, Ngqeleni and Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape. In the Free State, a R4 billion intervention is being implemented in Maluti-a-Phofung to improve water and sanitation infrastructure.

Limpopo's R1.3 billion Giyani water project has already connected 24 villages, bringing improved access to thousands of residents. KwaZulu-Natal is also benefiting from the R4.9 billion Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme, one of the largest projects currently being developed.

In Gauteng, construction work at Hammanskraal is nearing completion. A new water package plant capable of producing 50 megalitres of water per day is expected to provide cleaner and more reliable water to around 47,000 households.

Additional projects in Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape and the Western Cape are either under construction or approaching completion as government works to reduce service backlogs and improve water reliability.

Rural Communities to Benefit From New Water Access Programme

Government is also launching a nationwide Rural Water Access Programme to improve water security in communities that still lack reliable services.

The programme includes borehole drilling, protection of natural springs, rainwater harvesting systems and repairs to water infrastructure that is no longer functioning properly. More than 2,600 settlements have already been identified for support.

An initial allocation of more than R200 million has been made for the first phase, which will begin in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Work is expected to start in July and continue through September.

The department is also relying more heavily on water boards to assist municipalities facing operational difficulties. Collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and National Treasury is intended to strengthen governance and improve financial management in the sector.

Majodina said efforts to protect public funds are also being intensified through the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum, which operates in partnership with the Special Investigating Unit. She called on government institutions, communities and the private sector to work together to secure South Africa's water future.