Mahlobo calls for collective action to address R23.77b municipal water debt

Municipal debt owed to water boards reached R23.77b by July 31, 2026, placing water boards under severe financial pressure and threatening the constitutional right of access to water.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo has called for a collective approach involving government, communities, businesses, civil society and other stakeholders to tackle the growing debt and broader challenges facing the water sector.

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Mahlobo was speaking during a webinar hosted by the South African Human Rights Commission under the theme ‘Municipal debt to water boards: Exploring a human rights-centric approach’.

The discussion brought together key stakeholders to examine the rising debt burden, its effect on the sustainability of water boards and the implications for the constitutional right of access to water.

Water boards supply bulk potable water to water services authorities. However, poor revenue collection, weak credit control, governance problems and financial management weaknesses have left several municipalities unable to meet their payment obligations.

The debt, which excludes current accounts, stood at R23.77b at the end of July 2026 and continues to grow. The accumulation is placing significant pressure on the liquidity of water boards, with some entities facing severe cash-flow constraints and an increased risk of financial distress.

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When municipalities fail to settle their bulk water accounts on time, water boards struggle to maintain, refurbish and expand critical infrastructure. This in turn threatens the reliable delivery of bulk water services.

The webinar set out to identify the causes of the debt, assess its human rights implications and find corrective measures.

In his address, Mahlobo called for greater investment in water and sanitation infrastructure, improved water-use efficiency to cut losses, pollution and non-revenue water, stronger financial discipline and reinvestment in infrastructure, as well as more effective billing, credit control and enforcement.

He also stressed the need to confront the culture of non-payment for municipal services, protect water infrastructure from vandalism, theft and other crime, and better prepare the sector for the impacts of climate change.

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Mahlobo made it clear that government cannot solve the problem alone, calling for a whole-of-society approach in which communities, businesses, civil society, traditional leaders and indigenous communities become active partners in how water is used, managed and protected.

“Our view is that, for the first time, there is a leadership led by the President, where there is clarity. But as government alone, we are not going to resolve the problem,” Mahlobo said. “We need a societal approach, working with communities who are partners around water use and sanitation. But also working with businesses and civil society experts, including indigenous communities and traditional leaders.”

Mahlobo concluded that addressing municipal debt and broader challenges in the water sector requires collective leadership, shared responsibility and decisive action.

Through stronger partnerships, responsible water use, sound financial management and action across the water value chain, South Africa can build a more sustainable and resilient water sector that protects access to water for present and future generations.

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