In contrast, the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga have experienced the most significant declines in water service delivery.

Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke noted that since 2004, an estimated 6.3 million more households across SA have gained access to improved water sources.

“Nationally, around 76.8% of households now have access to improved water, either within the home or in the yard,” Maluleke said. “This includes 46.4% with water access inside the dwelling, and a further 30.4% with access within the yard.”

Despite the national improvement, nearly 9% of households continue to depend on communal taps, a reminder of the inequalities that persist in access to basic services, particularly in more rural or under-resourced areas.

--ChannelAfrica--