uMngeni – uThukela, Overberg Water and Rand Water 2024/25 Annual Reports; with Ministry

Video The Committee received briefings from three water boards -- Amatola Water, uMngeni-uThukela Water, and Rand Water on their 2024/25 annual reports. All three water boards had received unqualified audit opinions, reflecting improvements in governance and financial management. The Minister of Water and Sanitation noted that Rand Water had demonstrated strong operational performance and infrastructure investment, while uMngeni-uThukela Water had achieved high performance despite operational challenges. She also indicated that Amatola Water had made progress in stabilising governance and improving audit outcomes following a period of instability. The Committee raised concerns about ongoing financial and operational challenges across the entities, despite the progress that had been noted. Municipal debt continued to undermine revenue collection and financial sustainability, particularly for Amatola Water, which remained in a deficit position. Ageing infrastructure, water losses and service delivery interruptions, were identified as key risks. Concerns were expressed regarding irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, audit findings, and the need for strengthened consequence management. The Committee emphasised the importance of improved governance, enhanced oversight, and ensuring that infrastructure investment translates into reliable and equitable water service delivery.