The water losses in municipalities are a serious financial and security threat for the province.
That is the warning given by the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thulasizwe Buthelezi. He spoke on the issue while tabling his department’s budget at the provincial legislature on Tuesday.
Buthelezi said: “The department has identified the alarming reality of billions of rand lost annually to non-revenue water in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. This staggering figure underscores a critical challenge that is severely compromising water security for our communities.
“As highlighted by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, the issue of non-revenue water is a national crisis, but its impact is particularly acute in KwaZulu-Natal. The province, already grappling with the pressures of population growth, climate change, and unequal distribution of water resources, is further burdened by this significant wastage,” said the MEC.
He said this loss manifests in various forms.
Infrastructure:
Ageing and dilapidated water infrastructure, such as leaky pipes and burst mains, contribute substantially to water loss.
Illegal connections:
Unauthorised connections to the water supply network divert precious water without proper metering or billing.
Metering inaccuracies:
Faulty meters or meters that have been tampered with result in underestimation of water consumption and revenue loss.
Water unaccounted for:
Water that cannot be explained through legitimate consumption or losses presents a significant challenge
Buthelezi said the consequences of this water loss are far-reaching. It places an immense strain on water resources, exacerbates water scarcity, and increases the cost of water treatment and distribution. Moreover, it deprives municipalities of essential revenue, hindering their ability to provide adequate water services to communities.
“The department is committed to addressing this crisis through a comprehensive approach. By taking decisive action to curb non-revenue water, we can safeguard water security, improve service delivery, and ensure a sustainable water future for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.
The Mercury