Pemmy Majodina Outlines Plans to Address Water Services Backlog and Infrastructure Challenges

The Minister reported significant progress in overcoming obstacles that have hindered major water infrastructure projects, essential for achieving water security in various regions.

In her inaugural Budget Vote Speech before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina outlined a robust strategy aimed at tackling the water and sanitation services backlog and bolstering infrastructure development across South Africa.

Minister Majodina emphasized the seventh administration's commitment to addressing the critical challenges faced by municipalities in delivering essential water services to unserved communities. She highlighted a strategic focus on investing in bulk water supply infrastructure projects and supporting municipalities with water reticulation efforts.

The Minister reported significant progress in overcoming obstacles that have hindered major water infrastructure projects, essential for achieving water security in various regions. Key projects include the R26 billion uMkhomazi Dam, set to augment water supply in eThekwini and surrounding areas in KwaZulu-Natal, and the R42 billion second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, aimed at providing additional water to Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape provinces through the Polihali Dam.

Additionally, the R8 billion Ntabelanga Dam project on the uMzimvubu River tributary will enhance water availability for irrigation and domestic use in the Eastern Cape.

Financial sustainability within the water sector was underscored as a priority, with Minister Majodina stressing the importance of efficient revenue collection across the water value chain. She outlined a framework where municipalities sell water to domestic users and industries, water boards collect revenue from municipalities for treated water, and a proposed National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency facilitates the sale of raw water to water boards and major industries.

The Minister expressed concern over escalating municipal debts to water boards, totaling R21.3 billion as of May 2024, posing significant financial risks. She committed to collaborating with relevant Cabinet ministers to find sustainable solutions to this pressing issue.

Minister Majodina advocated for diversifying the water supply mix, including sustainable use of groundwater, water reuse from wastewater systems, and seawater desalination. These initiatives, she noted, would predominantly be driven by municipalities due to the localized nature of these technologies.

Looking ahead to the 2024/2025 financial year, key priorities include:

Completing the project with the City of Tshwane and Magalies Water to provide clean drinking water to Hammanskraal by October.

Supporting the Zululand District Municipality in implementing the R9.5 billion Mandlakazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme.

Launching Phase 1 of the R18 billion Olifants Ebenezer program to augment water supply to Polokwane and Seshego.

Advancing the R27 billion Olifants River Water Resource Development Project in Limpopo.

Providing assistance to Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, including funding for the Kimberley Bulk Water Supply Project.

Commencing the R10 billion Vaal Gamagara Phase Two Project in the Northern Cape for mining and community water needs.

Initiating the R1.7 billion Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply project from Loskop Dam in Mpumalanga to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.

In conclusion, Minister Majodina reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing water security and improving service delivery efficiency across South Africa. She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable development goals in the water sector.