South African municipalities are losing R9.9 billion of water

The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu revealed in a recent statement that municipality authorities have a deficit of about 41% of water, whether because they were unused, unpaid, or lost to other factors. The estimated loss is valued at about R9.9billion.

The minister made this public during her Budget Vote late last month, citing the reasons for this loss as leaking pipe systems, and the failure of municipalities to meet their debt commitments, and the failure of users to pay up their water bills. 

Sisulu also used the medium to call on municipality authorities, residents, and stakeholders in sectors such as industry, mining, and agriculture to own up to responsibilities within their cadre that can help curb the loss. 

Renovation of taps and leaking pipes, ensuring water thieves and vandals are reported and caught and prompt payment of dues are some of the measures being recommended.

Renovation of taps and leaking pipes, ensuring water thieves and vandals are reported and caught and prompt payment of dues are some of the measures being recommended.

A recent publication by the Department of Water and Sanitation Status of Water Reservoirs reveals that water storage on average for the Northern Cape is 82.4%, the Orange River system 95.2, and the Vaal River System 99.8%. The Karee Dam, which is the Northern Cape’s only water dam is 17.1%.