A solution to Gauteng’s Water Crisis in the Works
Gauteng is grappling with a severe water crisis exacerbated by rapid population growth and economic expansion. Despite a dam project in progress through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), relief is not expected until 2028. Water Department Director-General, Dr. Sean Phillips, has urged the province to adopt sustainable water use measures in the interim.
The LHWP and Its Phases
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), an $8 billion initiative between Lesotho and South Africa, aims to transfer water from Lesotho’s mountains to Gauteng while generating hydropower for Lesotho. Managed by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) and Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), the project comprises several phases. While Phase I, including the Katse and Mohale dams, was completed in 2004, the second phase, featuring the Polihali Dam, is ongoing. The delay means the additional water supply will only be available in 2028.
Water Scarcity in Gauteng
Gauteng’s natural water resources are insufficient to meet the growing demand. Phillips highlighted that over the last decade, population and economic growth have dramatically increased water consumption. The Vaal River system, which supplies the province, is under strain, limiting Rand Water’s capacity to extract more water. This shortage particularly impacts residents in high-lying areas, as insufficient water pressure prevents supply to those regions.
Addressing Water Waste and System Leaks
Phillips emphasized that Gauteng must curb its high water consumption, currently averaging 279 litres per person per day, well above the global average of 173 litres. Reducing water wastage will ensure a more sustainable distribution. Municipalities must also repair leaking infrastructure, which contributes to nearly 49% non-revenue water losses in the province—water that is lost or unbilled due to leaks, illegal connections, and faulty meters. These losses impair the municipalities’ ability to generate revenue needed for maintenance, creating a vicious cycle of deteriorating infrastructure and increased water shortages.
Solutions and Long-Term Outlook
To avoid future disruptions, Phillips stressed the importance of behavioral change and infrastructure improvements. Residents must adopt water-saving habits, while municipalities need to budget sufficiently for maintenance to reverse the downward spiral of leaks and financial loss. Reducing daily consumption and minimizing leaks will help Gauteng manage its water resources until the new supply from the LHWP becomes available in 2028.
While the LHWP offers some relief, Phillips cautioned that continuously building dams in Lesotho is not a sustainable solution. Gauteng must adopt a more efficient water management approach to meet future needs.
This proactive effort, combining infrastructure upgrades and public participation, will be crucial in stabilizing Gauteng’s water supply over the coming years.
By adopting water conservation habits and improving infrastructure, Gauteng can ensure a more reliable water supply. Until the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is completed, responsible water usage will remain critical to sustaining the province’s growing population and economy.
