Bleak state of SA's water supply systems

UNDERFUNDING, increasing water scarcity and failing infrastructure are among the serious challenges impacting the country's supply of clean, drinking water.

- GCWALISILE KHANYILE

The issues have seen areas and residents across the country dealing with intermittent water supply, unsafe drinking water and even dry taps.

The matter has reached the attention of the SA Human Rights Commission and some groups have also approached the United Nations.

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Water Division said that the country stands at a critical juncture in its infrastructure development, with water infrastructure at the forefront of this challenge.

"Water security is the foundation of economic stability and growth. Without reliable access to clean and affordable water, industries falter, agriculture suffers, communities struggle and investors reconsider investment in South Africa.

"For millions living in poverty, unreliable access to clean water is not just an inconvenience. It poses a daily threat to health, livelihoods and survival, not to mention revoking the constitutional human right to water, as enshrined as a fundamental human right in South Africa. Water insecurity has a ripple effect, with the potential of slowing the economy, disrupting education, worsening food shortages and undermining the country's overall stability," SAICE Water Division said.

The Department of Water and Sanitation recently revealed that the country needs to spend over R90 billion a year over the next decade to repair and upgrade existing infrastructure.

Despite R156.3 bn being committed towards water and sanitation in the 2025 Budget Speech, SAICE was concerned that municipalities might lack the engineering expertise, among other things, to use these grants efficiently.