The South African government has initiated a R500 million public-private partnership aimed at reducing municipal water losses and upgrading infrastructure in Gauteng. The City of Tshwane will be the first focus area for this initiative, which will run from 2026 to 2031. The program is a collaborative effort between the Department of Water and Sanitation, the World Bank Group's 2030 Water Resources Group, Rand Water Services, the Global Water Challenge, the City of Tshwane, and Coca-Cola.
The initiative will mobilize R250 million in private investment, matched by public sector partners, to address non-revenue water (NRW) losses. South Africa currently loses an estimated 47 percent of its treated water through leaks and aging infrastructure. The program aims to implement targeted operational interventions, including leak reduction through pressure management and the installation of infrastructure to improve industrial effluent monitoring and accountability.
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, emphasized the importance of addressing non-revenue water losses for sustainable access to water for communities, industry, and future economic growth. The program is expected to improve infrastructure performance and strengthen the financial sustainability of municipalities. Lubabalo Luyaba, a senior water specialist at the World Bank Group, highlighted the initiative as an example of alternative service delivery mechanisms.
The partnership will focus on reducing water losses in the City of Tshwane through various interventions. This includes the deployment of advanced technologies to detect and repair leaks, as well as the implementation of water-saving measures. The program's success will be monitored and evaluated to ensure its effectiveness in reducing water losses.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the challenges facing South Africa's water infrastructure. The country's water infrastructure is facing significant challenges, including aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and a shortage of skilled personnel. The program aims to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations.
The collaboration is expected to expand to additional municipalities over time to broaden infrastructure recovery efforts. This will enable the program to have a greater impact on reducing water losses and improving infrastructure performance across Gauteng. The program's expansion will also create opportunities for other municipalities to benefit from the initiative.
The R500 million initiative is a significant investment in South Africa's water infrastructure. The program's success will depend on the effective implementation of its interventions and the collaboration between its various partners. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other countries facing similar water infrastructure challenges.
Key points
- The initiative aims to reduce non-revenue water losses by 47 percent through targeted operational interventions.
- The program will mobilize R250 million in private investment, matched by public sector partners.
- The initiative is expected to expand to additional municipalities over time to broaden infrastructure recovery efforts.
