DAY ZERO: South Africa's water boards on brink of financial collapse
South Africa’s municipalities collectively owe around R22 billion.
Picture: Pixabay.com
Ray White interviews Professor Anja du Plessis, a Water Management Expert at Unisa.
Listen below.
Is it climate change, inadequate water conservation efforts, or ageing infrastructure?
Many experts are raising alarm about the potential for Day Zero to become a reality in significant areas of South Africa.
The country is grappling with multiple water security challenges, including insufficient conservation practices, outdated systems, and unequal access to water resources.
Its water boards are on the brink of financial collapse, with municipalities collectively owing around R22 billion.
Many of these municipalities lack the means to pay their debts.
"Water boards play a crucial role."
- Professor Anja du Plessis, Water Management Expert – Unisa
Du Plessis warns that rising debt is undermining the entire water value chain, and the municipalities' failure to pay threatens the financial viability of all water boards.
Magalies Water, which serves three provinces, could face bankruptcy by May of next year, while Vaal Central Water is projected to follow suit in June.
"Both of these water boards are continuously struggling with municipal debt, and it's growing."
- Professor Anja du Plessis, Water Management Expert – Unisa
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.