Rapid urbanization, climate change, droughts, high water demand, and aging infrastructure have severely strained local water systems, causing water shortages, “water-shifting,” and the increasing threat of water-shedding.
A significant proportion of South Africans, specifically a third, currently reside in urban centers, and this figure is expected to rise to 80% by 2050.
Furthermore, the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan, released in 2019, highlights that South Africans consume approximately 237 liters of water per person per day (l/c/d), which is around 61 l/c/d more than the global average.
The country also grapples with unusually high water losses due to leaks, breakages, and burst pipes. The plan uncovered that around 57% of South Africa’s water and sanitation infrastructure urgently needs refurbishment and renewal.
In response, the government has increased water infrastructure spending, allocating an average annual increase of 12.3% between now and the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC) has also been involved in rolling out and improving critical water infrastructure over the past few years. However, both short-term and long-term solutions are required to address the pressure on water systems.
Short-term solutions include installing water tanks in or near homes, paired with rainwater harvesting techniques for non-drinking purposes, and utilizing borehole water in areas with sufficient groundwater resources. These systems can be implemented quickly and inexpensively by local municipalities and their private infrastructure partners.
Long-term solutions involve improving existing water infrastructure, with the Department of Water and Sanitation estimating the cost of refurbishing and repairing water supply systems at roughly R1.5 billion.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can play a vital role in managing fiscal risks and ensuring efficient service delivery. Private infrastructure development partners can offer technical skills and financial support for large-scale projects, as well as introduce innovative technologies for more efficient infrastructure refurbishment.
PPPs can also assist in attracting private investment into water infrastructure projects and ensure maximum value through competitive tender bidding procedures. The risk-sharing nature of PPPs means that the private sector assumes a substantial portion of the financial, technical, and operational risk, ensuring accountability for project completion.
By leveraging the strengths of both public and private sectors through PPPs, a sustainable water future for South Africa can be achieved.
A thought leadership by Olebogeng Manhe, Chairman of the Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC)
Source: Engineering News