Ramaphosa unveils National Water Action Plan to tackle water crisis
President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched the National Water Action Plan, outlining urgent measures to improve water security, fix failing infrastructure, support distressed municipalities and reduce water losses across South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says too many municipalities, communities and businesses can no longer rely on safe, reliable water services, threatening public health, economic activity, and social stability.
Ramaphosa made the remarks during the release of the National Water Action Plan on Thursday.
The plan aims to secure a reliable water supply for the country and to tackle failing municipalities, corruption, and infrastructure backlogs.
Ramaphosa said the scale of the challenge now demands an urgent national response and a fundamental shift in how water services are managed.
“We must build a water sector that is capable of supporting our country's future development, and that requires sustainable investment in water infrastructure, the pipelines, the treatment works, wastewater systems, and distribution networks.”
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In February, the president announced the establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee, now known as Watercom, vowing to bring an end to the crippling water crisis.
Ramaphosa said the plan outlines a clear and practical approach to ensure water security for everyone.
“ In the immediate term, our priority is straightforward. We must keep water flowing. We will deploy multidisciplinary technical teams to our various municipalities that are in distress. We will accelerate stalled infrastructure projects, and we will reduce water losses.”
