en.Wedoany.com Reported - David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in South Africa, pointed out that Africa's infrastructure sector is not lacking in plans and visions, but translating ambition into actual delivery is the key challenge. He stated that the entire African continent has developed numerous master plans and policy frameworks aimed at transforming economies through infrastructure-led growth. However, true progress should be reflected in whether water flows from taps, electricity is stable, wastewater systems function properly, railways are efficient, and businesses can remain competitive. Mahlobo believes that the core development issue for contemporary Africa is whether it can move beyond statements and conference resolutions toward practical implementation that changes people's daily lives.
Despite Africa's enormous economic potential, rapidly urbanizing population, and the world's youngest demographic structure, a significant infrastructure deficit continues to constrain growth across much of the continent. Mahlobo emphasized that infrastructure is the backbone of the economy. Roads, railways, ports, energy systems, digital networks, water, and sanitation systems are not just construction projects but the productive foundation on which economic growth, industrialization, trade, investment, and social development depend. He noted that infrastructure delivery requires strong institutional capacity, sound governance, technical expertise, project preparation, financial sustainability, and long-term maintenance, not just ambition.
Mahlobo cited South Africa's own experience as an example of the dangers of infrastructure decline and the possibility of recovery through decisive intervention. He mentioned that years of load-shedding in South Africa have caused devastating economic and social costs, limiting economic growth, undermining investor confidence, and causing daily inconvenience for households. Through policy reforms, accelerated investment, regulatory changes, improved operational management, and close coordination between the government and the private sector, South Africa has made significant progress in stabilizing the energy sector. He believes this demonstrates that even deeply entrenched infrastructure challenges can be overcome through strategic leadership, institutional coordination, and disciplined execution.
In the water and sanitation sector, Mahlobo said the same lessons apply. He explained that South Africa is a water-scarce country, with rainfall below the global average, and nearly all available water resources have already been allocated. Without intervention, the country could face a water deficit of up to 17% by 2030. However, the crisis does not stem from a lack of water but from poor infrastructure management, governance failures, aging systems, financial instability, and inadequate maintenance in municipal water supply services. The latest "Green Drop" and "No Drop" assessments by the Department of Water and Sanitation show that nearly half of treated municipal water is lost due to leaks, poor management systems, or inefficient operations, and wastewater infrastructure in many cities continues to deteriorate. Mahlobo pointed out that this is essentially an institutional and governance challenge. Infrastructure without capable institutions will ultimately collapse, and sustainable infrastructure requires professional management, proper maintenance, financial discipline, and long-term operational sustainability.
To address these challenges, the South African government is advancing reforms to expand infrastructure investment and strengthen service delivery institutions. The Department of Water and Sanitation has allocated approximately 12.8 billion rand in the current fiscal year for municipal water and sanitation infrastructure projects across the country, with a focus on improving supply reliability, repairing wastewater systems, reducing water losses, and expanding service access. At the same time, reforms are being implemented to improve the financial and operational sustainability of municipal water supply services through dedicated water revenue, enhanced accountability, and ensuring that water service revenue is reinvested in maintenance and operations. Mahlobo emphasized that maintenance can no longer be considered secondary to new construction, and improving efficiency and reducing losses are often the most cost-effective investments.
South Africa is also heavily investing in long-term national bulk water infrastructure, with commitments of approximately 105 billion rand by 2030 for strategic water infrastructure projects. These projects include the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II in Lesotho, the uMkhomazi Water Project in KwaZulu-Natal Province, the Mokolo-Crocodile Water Transfer Scheme in Limpopo Province, the Vaal-Gamagara Project in the Northern Cape Province, and the Mzimvubu Water Project in the Eastern Cape Province. Mahlobo noted that these projects aim to support industrial development, mining, agriculture, energy generation, regional integration, and long-term water security. He also acknowledged that public finances alone are insufficient to meet growing infrastructure needs, and therefore infrastructure financing models must evolve. He emphasized the need for greater emphasis on blended finance, public-private partnerships, concession models, and alternative delivery mechanisms that can mobilize private capital and technical expertise. The establishment of the Water Partnerships Office within the Southern African Development Bank reflects this strategic shift, aiming to help municipalities prepare bankable water projects and attract investment into areas such as reducing non-revenue water, wastewater treatment, desalination, and water reuse.
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