South Africa has launched a public-private partnership worth 500 million rand aimed at reducing municipal water losses and modernizing infrastructure in the Gauteng province, starting with the town of Tshwane.
This initiative, scheduled from 2026 to 2031, will attract 250 million rand in private investment, supplemented by public sector partners, to address the issue of Non-Revenue Water (NRW).
Currently, South Africa loses approximately 47 percent of treated water due to outdated infrastructure and leaks.
The development of this program was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation, the World Bank Group's Water Resources Group for 2030, Rand Water Services, Global Water Challenge, the city of Tshwane, and Coca-Cola.
The initial implementation will focus on targeted operational measures, including leak reduction through pressure management and the installation of equipment to improve monitoring of industrial effluents and enhance accountability.
Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina emphasized that combating Non-Revenue Water losses is crucial for ensuring sustainable water access for the population, industry, and future economic growth.
Lubabalo Luyaba, Senior Water Specialist at the World Bank Group, noted that this program demonstrates how alternative service delivery mechanisms can improve infrastructure performance and strengthen the financial sustainability of municipalities.
It is expected that the cooperation will be expanded to other municipalities in the future to increase efforts to restore infrastructure.