Ramaphosa's National Water Action Plan Implementation Gains Momentum in South Africa

• President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured citizens that the National Water Action Plan is a practical solution to restore water supply reliability.
• The plan focuses on five intervention areas aimed at addressing root causes of persistent water supply challenges.
• Regular meetings of the National Water Crisis Committee (WATERCOM) will oversee implementation and hold responsible parties accountable.
• The Water Services Amendment Bill seeks to establish clearer separation between municipalities' roles in water provision and those of operators.

We cannot build our way out of the crisis if we do not properly maintain and manage the infrastructure we already have.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized the importance of implementing the National Water Action Plan to address persistent water supply challenges in South Africa. The plan, launched last week, focuses on five key intervention areas aimed at addressing the root causes of the crisis. These interventions include technical reforms and immediate actions designed to improve water management and infrastructure. According to President Ramaphosa, the government's main priority is implementation, clear responsibilities, and accountability. Regular meetings of the National Water Crisis Committee (WATERCOM) will oversee implementation, track progress, and hold responsible departments and public entities accountable for delivery.

The President noted that long-term water supply security requires continued investment in dams, pipelines, treatment works, and other bulk water infrastructure. However, municipal water systems are often poorly managed, maintained, and financed. In many municipalities, revenue collected from water sales is used to fund other municipal functions, leaving insufficient funds for pipe repairs, pump replacements, or employing qualified engineers and technicians. As a result, nearly half of all pumped water in the country never reaches paying customers due to leaks, theft, or lack of billing. The National Water Action Plan aims to address these root causes by changing the way water services are delivered.

The Water Services Amendment Bill is currently before Parliament and seeks to establish a clearer separation between municipalities' roles in water provision and those of operators. The bill requires water service providers to obtain operating licenses based on their technical, managerial, and financial capabilities. Municipalities will only be able to appoint providers that meet the required standards, ensuring accountability for reliable water and sanitation services. In cases where municipalities fail or are unable to provide acceptable services, government will intervene in accordance with the Constitution and law to provide necessary services.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the implementation of the National Water Action Plan, which aims to address the root causes of persistent water supply challenges. They should also be aware of the proposed changes to the Water Services Amendment Bill, which seeks to establish clearer separation between municipalities' roles in water provision and those of operators.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]