The South African government is stepping up its efforts to tackle the country’s pressing water
and sanitation crisis, backed by a massive financial commitment. During the current financial
year, the Department of Water and Sanitation has allocated R12.3 billion in infrastructure grants
directly to municipalities. Delivering her budget vote speech in the National Council of Provinces
(NCOP) on Wednesday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina emphasized that the

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government is actively rolling out decisive interventions. These measures aim to improve overall
water security, rehabilitate rapidly ageing infrastructure, and expand access to reliable water and
sanitation services across all nine provinces.
Despite these heavily funded initiatives, Minister Majodina openly acknowledged the harsh
realities still facing many citizens on the ground. She noted that numerous communities continue
to endure frequent water interruptions, highly disruptive sewage spillages, deteriorating
wastewater treatment systems, and severe levels of water losses.
Recognizing the urgency of these systemic failures, President Cyril Ramaphosa previously took
direct action by establishing the National Water Crisis Committee. Under his directive, the
committee is tasked with overseeing the swift and thorough implementation of the National
Water Action Plan to restore stability to the nation's water supply.

Colleen Makhubele in conversation with Deputy Minister David Mahlobo – Department of Water & Sanitation