Gauteng Water Crisis: Governance Failures and Corruption Create a Vicious Cycle, Says IRR

The IRR highlights how corruption, mismanagement, and deteriorating infrastructure are plunging Gauteng towards a looming water catastrophe

The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) recently released a report, Gauteng Water Crisis, spotlighting a troubling “vicious cycle” of governance failures, corruption, and infrastructure breakdowns as key contributors to the crisis. IRR campaign manager Makone Maja points out that the Gauteng water situation risks becoming catastrophic if these systemic issues are not addressed immediately. This water crisis, experts warn, could lead to drastic water rationing.

Rising Demand and Insufficient Infrastructure

As Gauteng’s population has grown, so has the demand for Rand Water, which supplies the bulk of water to Johannesburg and surrounding municipalities. Rand Water has been forced to draw more from the Vaal Dam than its licensed capacity, illustrating how water demand has outpaced sustainable supply. However, Maja stresses that increasing water abstraction is futile if significant portions of the water are lost to leaks in Gauteng’s deteriorating pipes and reservoirs.

Staggering Water Losses Due to Dilapidated Infrastructure

Five municipalities in Gauteng are losing more than 30% of their drinking water to faulty infrastructure. Some of the most affected areas include Emfuleni, Rand West City, and Merafong City, which suffer water losses of 49%, 42%, and 38%, respectively, according to Maja. Leaking pipes and inaccurate meter readings further exacerbate the situation, leading to millions of litres of drinking water and millions of rands in lost revenue.

Johannesburg Water, which sources bulk water from Rand Water, revealed that its budget only allows for repairs to 20 out of its 42 leaking reservoirs. This funding shortfall prevents comprehensive maintenance efforts, leaving many water distribution systems vulnerable to ongoing degradation.

A Self-Perpetuating Crisis of Governance Failures

The IRR report underscores that corruption, poor planning, and mismanagement create a vicious cycle in Gauteng’s water sector. Insufficient maintenance, paired with leakages and faulty meter readings, results in decreased revenue for municipalities. Without adequate funding, critical upgrades and repairs are neglected, worsening infrastructure decay and furthering the water crisis. Maja asserts, “This cycle of governance failure not only cripples infrastructure but diminishes its ability to supply Gauteng with reliable water.”

IRR’s Call to Action: Holding Authorities Accountable

With Day Zero looming as a real threat for Gauteng, Maja calls on residents to demand accountability from municipal authorities. “Every drop counts,” he says, urging citizens to pressurize municipalities to repair infrastructure and mitigate water losses. The IRR has also committed to assisting in the development of legal mechanisms aimed at holding municipal officials accountable.

For Gauteng, a region critical to South Africa’s economy, implementing immediate and comprehensive reforms to its water infrastructure could mean the difference between maintaining water access and facing severe shortages.

Also read: Adhering to Water Restrictions Crucial for South Africa’s Future, Warns Expert