The second phase of the project, which includes the construction of a third dam in Lesotho, has been delayed by nine years. Despite these delays, the department insists there is no immediate risk of taps running dry, even as water restrictions are imposed in key provinces.

According to Dr Sean Phillips, Director General of the SA Department of Water and Sanitation, the root causes of the crisis are complex and multifaceted. He highlighted the lack of efficient planning and execution by local municipalities as significant contributors. While municipalities are legally responsible for maintaining water infrastructure, many fail to allocate funds from water revenue for this purpose. This has resulted in the deterioration of water systems in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Phillips noted that municipalities, governed by their own councils, have the freedom to spend water revenues on other priorities, with no legal obligation to use these funds for water infrastructure upkeep. To address this, the government is introducing amendments to the Water Services Act to compel municipalities to ring-fence water revenue specifically for infrastructure maintenance.

Despite the delayed construction of the third dam, which will help increase water capacity, Phillips emphasized that the government had planned for additional resources through the Lesotho Highlands project. Construction of the dam is now progressing, and by 2028, it will begin supplying water to SA.

He reassured the public that while water infrastructure maintenance has been temporarily disrupted due to the shutdown of a key tunnel, the integrated Vaal River System remains well-stocked, with dams such as the Sterkfontein Dam at full capacity.  

Phillips urged residents to conserve water, highlighting that cultural shifts in water usage habits and addressing issues like non-payment are crucial for managing the crisis long-term.

Despite the challenges, the Department reassured that the likelihood of complete water shortages, like the ‘Day Zero’ crisis in Cape Town, is unlikely.

--ChannelAfrica--