Water Minister Pemmy Majodina has commended Siza Water’s operations in Ballito, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in improving water services.

Majodina praised Siza Water for its innovation and efficiency during a visit to the Frasers Water Treatment Plant on Tuesday.

Siza Water, owned by South African Water Works, has provided water and sanitation to about 40 000 households between Ballito and Etete since 1999, under a 30-year concession agreement. This was the first public-private partnership in the water sector in South Africa. The pending extension of the contract, which expires in 2029, has yet to be tabled before the iLembe District Council.

The looming date has caused significant public concern, including a recent petition that gathered more than 3 000 signatures in favour of an extension.

Majodina said the purpose of her visit was to engage with partners working with the iLembe district municipality, especially in Ballito and surrounding areas.

She noted that many other problematic wastewater plants are known for strong odours and poor maintenance.

“When you enter most wastewater treatment plants, you are welcomed by an odour that you can hardly breathe in. But here, you feel nothing. The efficiency of running this institution is amazing,” she said.

During the visit, the minister cut the ribbon for the new 485kW solar installation at the plant. The system is expected to save about R120 000 per month in electricity costs, with a payback period of around five years.

It powers the four-megalitre-per-day direct potable reuse plant and high-energy wastewater processes. The solar system is integrated with standby diesel generators, ensuring uninterrupted water and sanitation services during power cuts.

Over 25 years, it is projected to offset about 18 000 tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting roughly 300 000 trees.

Majodina said partnerships between government and capable private operators are vital to improving water services nationwide.

“Water knows no boundaries. Water knows no political affiliation. Everybody needs water. Water is a basic human right,” she said.

She encouraged municipalities struggling with capacity to seek assistance and skills transfer from capable partners. Of the country’s 144 water service authorities, she said 105 are performing poorly.

While acknowledging that water provision is a constitutional mandate of municipalities, she said the national government is drafting plans to support areas facing crisis, particularly where ageing infrastructure and poor revenue collection affect maintenance.

Majodina also warned against vandalism of water infrastructure.

“If you vandalise water infrastructure, you don’t care about lives. Water is life and sanitation is dignity,” she said.

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