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SAHRC Flags Four Provinces for Slow Action on Water Crisis
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has criticized four provinces for their slow response to its recommendations on water-related issues. According to SAHRC commissioner Henk Boshoff, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the Free State have failed to adhere to stipulated time frames outlined in inquiry reports.
Boshoff warned that non-cooperation from these provinces has hindered the commission’s ability to secure redress for communities facing ongoing water shortages.
Systemic Water Issues Identified
Addressing the portfolio committee on water and sanitation, Boshoff outlined several key challenges that contribute to the worsening water crisis. These include:
- Infrastructure decay due to neglect and underinvestment in municipal water and wastewater systems.
- Failure to allocate funds for maintenance, with water services authorities (WSAs) not meeting the National Treasury’s recommended 8% spending on operations and infrastructure upkeep.
- Shortages of skilled personnel, with many technical water units suffering from high vacancy rates.
- Mounting municipal debt to water boards, threatening their financial sustainability.
- Widespread revenue collection issues, caused by illegal water connections, meter bypasses, billing inaccuracies, and nonpayment due to indigent households.
Boshoff also highlighted corruption and sabotage in the water tankering system, describing how infrastructure vandalism and political interference have led to profiteering through water supply contracts.
Government’s Response and SAHRC’s Next Steps
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the severity of the water crisis in his State of the Nation Address, stating that ensuring a stable and reliable water supply remains a government priority.
“It is impossible to live without water, and it is impossible for the economy to grow without water,” Ramaphosa said.
The SAHRC has recommended urgent interventions in the affected provinces, including:
- Cracking down on water tanker corruption and infrastructure vandalism.
- Enforcing the 8% budget provision for water infrastructure maintenance.
- Addressing non-revenue water losses and reducing municipal debt to water boards.
Should these provinces continue to ignore SAHRC’s directives, Boshoff warned that legal action could be taken. The commission is also engaging with legislatures to strengthen oversight and ensure accountability.
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