South Africa’s water crisis is getting a major funding push.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has announced that R12.3 billion will be used to improve water infrastructure across the country.
The funding forms part of government’s plan to strengthen struggling municipal water systems and improve access to reliable water services.
Majodina made the announcement during the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Budget Vote in Parliament.
Projects Across All Nine Provinces
The money will support 70 bulk water projects and 341 water services initiatives across all nine provinces.
According to Majodina, the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant will fund the 70 bulk infrastructure projects.
The Water Services Infrastructure Grant will support 341 water services projects, with 175 expected to be completed in the current financial year.
The department also plans to bring in extra support through partnerships with the private sector and development institutions.
Water boards and implementing agencies, including the Development Bank of Southern Africa, are expected to help municipalities deliver projects more effectively.
Key Water Projects Already Moving
Several major water projects are already in the pipeline.
The R759 million Klipdrift Water Treatment Works in Hammanskraal was completed in the 2025/26 financial year. It is now operating at its full capacity of 50 megalitres a day.
Other projects include Phase 1 of the R4.8 billion Giyani Water Project, which has reticulated 24 of 55 villages.
The department has also highlighted the R736 million Babanana Bulk Water Pipeline in Limpopo and the R351 million Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Scheme in the North West.
For the 2026/27 financial year, bulk water schemes worth R2.24 billion in the Chris Hani District Municipality and the R2 billion Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme in Mpumalanga are planned for completion.
Municipal Water Problems Remain Serious
The funding comes while the department’s overall budget has dropped from R23.4 billion in 2025/26 to R22 billion in the current cycle.
Majodina also warned that municipal water services remain under serious pressure.
The 2023 Blue Drop and 2025 Green Drop assessments identified 107 of the worst-performing municipalities.
Wastewater problems have also worsened, with critical needs rising from 39% to 47%.
Municipal debt to water boards has also climbed past R27 billion. National Treasury has withheld equitable share allocations from 62 municipalities that repeatedly failed to pay their debts.
Majodina said many communities still face water shortages, poor water quality and sewage spillages.
“The reliability of municipal water services has declined sharply, with worsening disruptions and poor water quality,” she said.
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