The Democratic Alliance (DA) has urged municipal councils across Gauteng and other water-stressed areas in South Africa to urgently ring-fence water and sanitation revenue, following reports that about R5 billion is being lost annually in Gauteng metros due to leaks, ageing infrastructure, and stalled maintenance. Investigations reveal that Johannesburg alone has lost R2.4 billion over eight months, while Tshwane is losing approximately R1.9 billion yearly, with Johannesburg Water owing hundreds of millions to contractors and Rand Water.
Despite sufficient dam levels, residents continue to face dry taps, highlighting that the crisis stems not from water scarcity but from failing municipal distribution systems and diverted funding. Temporary measures, such as additional abstraction by Rand Water from February to June 2026, provide short-term relief but do not address the underlying governance and financial issues at municipal level.
The DA emphasizes that municipal councils have the authority to protect water income, insisting that funds be ring-fenced and reinvested into repairing leaks, reservoirs, and pump stations, while implementing proven water demand management interventions. Transparent public reporting on water losses, repairs, and spending is also critical to hold municipalities accountable.
Without protected budgets, infrastructure projects remain incomplete, resulting in daily water losses, unreliable supply for schools, clinics, and businesses, and serious health risks for communities. The DA stresses that ring-fencing water revenue is a practical, immediate step municipalities can take to ensure consistent water access and prevent recurring crises caused by mismanagement.
