Build One South Africa (BOSA) can today reveal that R6 billion in municipal infrastructure funds meant to deliver water and sanitation have gone unspent over the past five years. This while millions of South Africans continue to live without reliable access to clean water as municipalities fail to deliver on their responsibilities
In a written parliamentary reply to BOSA MP Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) confirmed that municipalities were allocated R78 billion through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) programme over the past five years, of which R52 billion was meant specifically for water services infrastructure. Yet, R6 billion remains unspent, directly stalling the provision of basic water and sanitation to poor and rural communities.
While households across South Africa queue for water or endure sewage spills in their streets, billions of rands meant to fix this crisis are simply being sent back to National Treasury.
The Minister further revealed that in the 2025/26 financial year, the department has had to withhold R494 million from 21 municipalities due to chronic underperformance and mismanagement. These municipalities will now have their projects taken over by national government under Schedule 6B of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant framework.
South Africa is facing a deepening water crisis that threatens the health, dignity, and economic stability of millions of citizens. Despite constitutional guarantees under Section 27, which affirms the right to sufficient water and obligates the state to take reasonable measures for its progressive realization, government mismanagement and corruption have resulted in severe water shortages across the country.
Many municipalities have failed to maintain water infrastructure, address leaks, or ensure equitable access, leading to widespread water-shedding, contamination, and supply failures.
Communities in provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Gauteng have been particularly affected, with reports of hospitals, schools, and entire towns left without adequate water. This crisis, caused by administrative failure rather than natural scarcity, has made it increasingly clear that legal intervention is necessary.
BOSA is calling for:
- An urgent audit of all unspent water infrastructure allocations, including the reasons for underspending.
- Public disclosure of the 21 municipalities whose water projects are being taken over.
- Direct accountability for municipal officials and contractors responsible for the failure to deliver water and sanitation infrastructure.
Citizens should not be surprised that we have an imminent water crisis in South Africa. It has been hiding in plain sight and is the outcome of a government either indifferent to the impact of the lack of reliable water supply to its citizens or lacking the political will to do something about it.
BOSA will continue to work with communities to ensure that every South African has access to clean water. This is a basic constitutional right that no government should deny.
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons
BOSA Spokesperson
072 299 3551