President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislation aimed at bolstering South Africa’s water security over the next decade.
The South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Act establishes a new state-owned company to develop and manage national water infrastructure.
The agency will be tasked with mobilising finance for new projects through innovative models to attract private investment.
“The President has assented to the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Bill, which establishes a new agency that will be responsible for developing and managing national water infrastructure, and will be able to mobilise finance for new projects through innovative models to crowd in private investment,” said a statement issued by the presidency on Tuesday August 27.
This legislation is part of broader reforms in the water sector, targeting increased investment in maintenance and construction of water infrastructure, as well as improved water quality.
The reforms are driven by Operation Vulindlela, a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.
The new law seeks to address current fragmentation in water resource management between various government entities. It aims to establish an agency capable of raising funds independently to boost investment in water infrastructure.
According to the government, the Act will support its strategic objectives to eradicate poverty and ensure sustainable and equitable development, including promoting socio-economic transformation.
The legislation comes amid growing recognition of the need for a stronger public sector role in infrastructure development, maintenance, and management to support social and economic progress.
President Ramaphosa’s office said the new agency would be established as a state-owned company and major public entity.
The move is part of a broader initiative to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport and digital communications in South Africa.
