Department of Water and Sanitation 2025/26 Third Quarter Performance Report; with Deputy Minister

Video The Department of Water and Sanitation presented the third quarter performance report for the Department. The Deputy Minister highlighted ongoing water sector reforms aimed at improving service delivery, noting that, while progress had been made, implementation impact remained limited. He emphasised the need to accelerate reforms, particularly through the Water Services Amendment Bill to enable stronger regulation and professionalisation of municipal water services. He reported progress on institutional reforms, including the establishment of a special purpose vehicle in Emfuleni, and noted improvements in water use licensing turnaround times, achieving about 80% compliance within 90 days. He indicated that the Green Drop and Blue Drop reports would be released at the end of March. He raised concern over rising municipal debt owed to water boards, now at approximately R27 billion, although engagement with municipalities and provinces was improving. He also reported continued efforts to unblock infrastructure projects and support unserved communities through alternative water supply solutions. During the opening discussion, Members raised concerns about municipal capacity, financial sustainability, and governance. A key discussion point centred on the sustainability of the current municipal service delivery model, with Members questioning whether municipalities had sufficient technical and governance capacity to manage infrastructure delivery. Concerns were raised about rising municipal debt, weak revenue collection, corruption risks, and lack of coordination between national departments. Members proposed stronger interventions, including ring-fencing water revenue, direct revenue collection by water boards in certain cases, and shifting implementation responsibilities away from underperforming municipalities. They also called for tighter consequence management and improved intergovernmental coordination.