President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed the establishment of a new state-owned enterprise, the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA), to address the country’s ongoing water challenges.
He made the announcement at the National Water and Sanitation Indaba in Johannesburg last week, emphasising that it will play an important role in addressing the water crisis. Ramaphosa also revealed that the agency is expected to become operational by 2026.
A well-functioning, efficient water and sanitation sector isn’t just a constitutional imperative and a driver of development. It also instils business and investor confidence that in turn spurs economic growth and job creation.
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 31, 2025
🔗https://t.co/mWB8gIaAUY pic.twitter.com/lxFEvSIZYN
South Africa has faced water shortages for several years, with many communities experiencing prolonged periods without access to water, often resulting in widespread protests.
The crisis has been further exacerbated by ageing infrastructure and poor management, with experts warning that it could derail the country’s economic development.
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In his weekly newsletter on Monday Ramaphosa said the establishment of (NWRIA) was one of the most significant reforms in the sector to date.
"The establishment of a National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency was one of the most significant reforms in the sector to date. The Agency will be responsible for developing and managing national water infrastructure and will mobilise financing for water infrastructure" Ramaphosa said
He also highlighted that the country’s water infrastructure development is on an upward trajectory.
"The Infrastructure Fund has to date secured R23 billion for seven large water infrastructure projects including Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the Polihali Dam, and the Ntabelanga Dam on the uMzimvubu River " he said.
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