Investing in infrastructure for a united and water-secure South Africa
Too many South Africans, particularly in rural and marginalised communities, continue to live without reliable access to clean water, says the writer.
Water is not only a basic human right, but also the foundation of development, dignity, and stability. As we confront the dual pressures of climate change and increasing water demand, the call to invest boldly and urgently in our water infrastructure is more critical than ever. This moment demands leadership, collaboration, and above all, unity.
At the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) Climate Resilient Investment Conference in Maseru, Lesotho, last week, I reaffirmed South Africa's deep and unwavering commitment to regional water cooperation. As the host nation and an active member of ORASECOM, South Africa has long championed the sustainable and equitable management of transboundary water resources. These rivers not only feed our economies and cities, but they also bind us as a region.
But our shared future hinges on action. ORASECOM's Basin-wide Climate Resilient Strategy and Plan has laid out the path forward. The identified priority projects, valued at approximately USD 7.5 billion, are not wish lists; they are essential for ensuring long-term water security, boosting climate resilience, and driving socio-economic development in our region.
Here at home, the challenges are immense. Too many South Africans, particularly in rural and marginalised communities, continue to live without reliable access to clean water. In these communities, water scarcity translates into lost educational opportunities, worsening health outcomes, and deepened poverty. Infrastructure investment is not just a technical necessity; it is a moral imperative.
As a proud member of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation in the Government of National Unity (GNU), I firmly believe that now is the time to pull all levers of government, business, and civil society in the same direction. The GNU has an extraordinary opportunity and a responsibility to rally collective resources, skills, and political will to transform our water sector. Our unity must become the engine of delivery.
We are reforming the policy and legal environment to attract the investment we need. Amendments to the Water Services Act will enable improved service delivery, encourage efficient governance, and create clearer licensing and accountability mechanisms. These reforms are designed to make the water sector more attractive to investors, more transparent to the public, and more responsive to the needs of citizens.
But policy alone cannot carry the burden. That is why we are accelerating public-private partnerships, including through the Water Partnership Office with the Development Bank of Southern Africa. We are creating real space for innovation and joint delivery. From wastewater treatment to pipeline expansion, and smart metering to water reuse, the partnership opportunities are not only abundant but also urgent.
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