Deputy President Paul Mashatile has confirmed that the completion of overdue water infrastructure projects is now a key government priority as the country grapples with mounting water supply challenges.
Speaking before the National Council of Provinces on Thursday, Mashatile said abandoned and unfinished water schemes have diminished water availability and undermined the dependability of supply systems. He noted that long-outstanding projects funded through grants have been earmarked for accelerated delivery, with funding being redirected to ensure these initiatives are brought to completion and water networks are stabilised.
Gauteng, which has endured severe water supply disruptions, has been the focus of multiple intervention measures. Mashatile added that the Department of Water and Sanitation has urged municipalities to curb water losses, enforce stricter usage restrictions, and invest in expanded storage and pumping infrastructure.
During an oversight visit in February, the Deputy President toured the Carlswald reservoir construction site and the Grand Central Water Tower in Midrand. The 20 million-litre reservoir is set for completion in 2027 and will bolster long-term water supply stability in the surrounding area.
Mashatile said practical interventions are also being rolled out in other provinces, including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. These efforts centre on expediting bulk water projects, reducing non-revenue water, deploying emergency supply measures, and strengthening coordination between different levels of government.
