A-G flags R2.3bn drain by water tankers as maintenance collapses

Damning audit by Auditor General reveals profound shortcomings across 59 municipalities

- BANELE GININDZA

MORE than 20% of South Africa's 257 municipalities spent around R2.32 billion on water tankering services in the 2023/24 financial year, with R420 million of that classified as irregular expenditure.

A damning audit conducted by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) has revealed profound shortcomings in the management of the country’s water resources across 59 municipalities.

The AGSA's Water Sector Report outlines a grim picture for Water Service Authorities (WSAs), who reported an astounding R14.89bn in water losses for the 2023-2024 year, attributed largely to inadequate maintenance of infrastructure.

Briefing Parliament on Tuesday, AGSA officials warned of a steady deterioration in wastewater treatment, driven by poor water management and weak demand management systems.

They reported that 90% of wastewater treatment works failed at least one quality standard, signalling a growing threat to the environment and public health.

Infrastructure development has also stalled across the sector.