The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has slammed Premier Panyaza Lesufi for failing to take responsibility for the province’s ongoing water crisis. The party argues that infrastructure mismanagement, rather than excessive consumption by residents, is to blame for the worsening situation.
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Lesufi’s Response to the Water Crisis
During his State of the Province Address (SOPA) on 24 February 2025, Lesufi acknowledged the water shortages affecting many communities in Gauteng. He attributed the crisis to:
✅ Vandalism of water infrastructure
✅ Power outages disrupting pumping stations
✅ Aging water supply systems requiring urgent upgrades
He further assured residents that the government was working on long-term solutions, including preparing municipalities for an increased water supply from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, expected to be completed in 2028.
However, in a follow-up debate on 27 February, Lesufi suggested that Gauteng residents consume more water than their allocated share, further exacerbating the crisis.
DA Rejects Blame on Residents
The DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Infrastructure, Nico de Jager, strongly rejected Lesufi’s claim that overuse by residents is the core issue. Instead, he pointed to 31 years of ANC-led mismanagement as the root cause of the crisis.
👉 Delays in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, initially meant to alleviate pressure, have worsened the situation. De Jager noted that these delays were due to financial mismanagement and political interference.
👉 He also referenced the legacy of former Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, accusing her of playing a role in stalling crucial infrastructure developments.
Massive Water Losses Due to Poor Maintenance
According to De Jager, water shortages persist despite Gauteng receiving sufficient supply from Rand Water. The reason? Up to 50% of water is lost due to:
🚰 Leaking and burst pipes
🚰 Illegal water connections
🚰 Aging and neglected infrastructure
He argued that if the province reduced technical and non-technical losses, the current allocation would be enough, and reservoirs would not run dry.
DA Calls for Urgent Action
The DA has urged Lesufi to prioritize real solutions instead of shifting blame to residents. The party is calling for:
✔️ A comprehensive infrastructure audit to assess the state of Gauteng’s water systems.
✔️ The appointment of competent professionals to oversee water boards and management.
✔️ A dedicated budget for maintenance backlogs and anti-vandalism measures.
✔️ Reduced political interference in water management and increased technical expertise.
Lesufi Must Take Responsibility
The water crisis in Gauteng is a growing concern, with communities facing frequent shortages and disruptions. While Premier Lesufi has pledged improvements, the DA insists that his government must take responsibility for the infrastructure failures that have led to the current situation.
As Gauteng residents continue to suffer water outages, the question remains: Will the government take meaningful action, or will political blame games continue?
