Deputy Minister David Mahlobo stressed the critical need to diversify South Africa's water resources for enhanced water security. Speaking at the Inaugural Built Environment Indaba hosted by the Black Business Council in Gauteng, Mahlobo emphasized the importance of collaboration, procurement, and skills development within the industry.

He noted that while the current national supply of raw water meets demand, localized deficits exist, with 98% of available water already allocated. To secure future water availability, Mahlobo advocated for a broader mix of water resources, including sustainable groundwater use, seawater desalination (despite its current costliness), treated wastewater reuse, and water reclamation.

Alongside supply-side measures, Mahlobo highlighted the imperative of water conservation and demand management. He cautioned that various factors, such as economic and population growth, urbanization, inefficient water use, wetland degradation, and climate change, could rapidly diminish water availability in South Africa.

Mahlobo also addressed financial challenges, with municipalities owing R19 billion to water boards. He identified poor adherence to standard operating procedures for water treatment as a significant issue, compounded by inadequate infrastructure maintenance and staffing.

The Deputy Minister outlined support measures for municipalities, including infrastructure grants exceeding R20 billion annually, technical assistance, capacity building, and financial management support from various government departments and agencies.

Mahlobo highlighted ongoing water sector projects aimed at alleviating water shortages and enhancing access across the country. Notable projects include the R40 billion Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, the R26 billion uMkhomazi Water Project, and the completion of Phase 2A of the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augmentation Project, among others.

These initiatives, alongside projects like the Olifants River Water Resource Development, Vaal Gamagara, Mzimvubu, Berg River Voelvlei Augmentation Scheme, and Clanwilliam Dam raising, aim to diversify water resources and ensure South Africa's water security.

Mahlobo reassured that South Africa's water supply will not deplete by 2030 but underscored the need for transformative action to address challenges and secure the nation's water future.