Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the South African government is ramping up efforts to expand access to safe and reliable water to underserved communities, in a bid to honor the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela. In his recent weekly newsletter following Mandela Day celebrations, President Ramaphosa emphasized that celebrating Madiba's birthday through acts of service is a commitment to continue the work Mandela dedicated his life to.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted the launch of the National Water Access Acceleration Programme, which aims to address the urgent need for safe water in underserved areas. This initiative is part of the government's priorities outlined in this year's State of the Nation Address, focusing on tackling the water crisis affecting households, communities, and businesses.
The programme kicked off in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, a community that has long faced water challenges, exacerbated by a cholera outbreak three years ago. As part of the initiative, boreholes were handed over to the community, and the Klipdrift Package Water Treatment Plant was officially commissioned. Similar projects, including borehole drilling and rainwater harvesting, are being implemented in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape.
President Ramaphosa noted that one of democracy's significant achievements is the expansion of water access, with the 2022 Census revealing that over 82% of households now have piped water access. However, he acknowledged ongoing struggles in municipalities with infrastructure maintenance, water service management, and prompt service delivery responses.
To address these issues, the government has established the National Water Crisis Committee to coordinate efforts across all government levels. The committee focuses on strengthening municipal water services, increasing investment in infrastructure, reforming water sector institutions, and tackling corruption.
The President emphasized that sustainable solutions require foundational work rather than quick fixes, with the National Water Action Plan bringing together various government levels and authorities under a unified action program. Immediate interventions include emergency projects like the boreholes in Hammanskraal, with plans to expand to more communities.
Legislative reforms are also underway, including the creation of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency to coordinate bulk water infrastructure investment. Public hearings on the Water Services Amendment Bill are set to begin, aiming to strengthen enforcement and hold municipal managers accountable for water infrastructure management failures.
Over the next three years, R156 billion has been allocated for water and sanitation infrastructure as part of a broader public infrastructure investment program. Municipalities will continue to receive support to improve financial sustainability and reinvest water revenue into infrastructure.
President Ramaphosa reiterated the government's commitment to resolving the water crisis through coordinated action and structural reform, aiming to fulfill Mandela's vision of universal water access for all South Africans. He underscored that water security remains a top priority, with a focus on securing this right for future generations.