President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the urgent water crisis in his State of the Nation Address, outlining a plan for infrastructure investment, regulatory reform, and public awareness campaigns.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that addressing the water crisis is a top priority for his administration. During his State of the Nation Address ( SONA ) on Thursday, Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency of ensuring a reliable and secure water supply across the country, stating that this issue is paramount to the well-being and development of South Africa.
He outlined plans to invest in large-scale water infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Ntabelanga Dam on the Umzimvubu River, which will provide additional water for domestic use and irrigation in the Eastern Cape. The President also announced that the government will establish the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency within the next year to attract greater investment in water projects.To curb the water crisis, Ramaphosa outlined several key initiatives. These include implementing a licensing system for water service providers to ensure quality drinking water, allocating R23 billion from the Infrastructure Fund to seven major water infrastructure projects, and ring-fencing funding for municipal water utilities to support maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Furthermore, the government plans to introduce the water services amendment bill, which will enable stricter regulation and oversight of water service providers.Ramaphosa acknowledged the challenges posed by the water crisis, particularly the issue of non-payment for water services and illegal connections, which strain municipal resources and infrastructure. He stressed the importance of collective action and responsible water usage to overcome these challenges. The President's SONA speech outlined a comprehensive plan to address the water crisis, encompassing both short-term and long-term solutions. It remains to be seen how effectively these plans will be implemented and the impact they will have on ensuring a sustainable water future for South Africa
WATER CRISIS INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT REGULATORY REFORM PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SONA SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Africa's Water Crisis: Promises and Challenges in Ramaphosa's State of the Nation AddressPresident Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation's urgent water crisis during his State of the Nation Address, outlining a plan to revitalize water infrastructure and improve water management. While experts welcome the government's commitment, concerns remain about transparency and the effectiveness of proposed interventions.
Read more »
WC's Chatsworth residents implore Water Minister to intervene in the area's water crisisNearly 3,000 Chatsworth residents said they sometimes would go for days without a shower.
Read more »
Johannesburg Water Outage for Pressure-Reducing Valve InstallationA planned 12-hour water outage in Johannesburg will allow for the installation of a Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV), aiming to improve water service delivery. Roaming water tankers will be deployed to supply affected areas. This outage coincides with national efforts to address the water crisis, with President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing significant investments in water infrastructure projects.
Read more »
Watch: From vosho to ‘water’ challenge — President Cyril Ramaphosa’s unforgettable dance momentsAhead of the highly anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA), we look at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s most viral dance moments
Read more »
SONA 2025: Ramaphosa outlines plans for sustainable local government and water infrastructurePresident Cyril Ramaphosa pledges to enhance local government support and address the urgent water supply crisis in South Africa, outlining key reforms and investments in infrastructure.
Read more »
Rand Water: 24-hour water shutdown planned for Tshwane from 25 to 26 JanuaryAccording to the utility, the planned repair work will be carried out on its pipeline, which affects its Palmeit system that supplies water to the Klipfontein, Brakfontein, and Haartbeeshoek reservoirs.
Read more »