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Untapped Resources: Over 30% of Limpopo Residents Lack Access to Piped Water, SAHRC Reports

Published October 24, 2023
1 years ago

Over 1.4 million individuals in Limpopo, nearly a third of the province’s population remain without access to piped water. These alarming statistics published in a recent South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) report highlight the urgency of the ongoing water crisis in the region.



The study reviews the ten municipalities responsible for treating and supplying water, with seven of them found to be non-compliant with the provisions of the Water Services Act, thereby failing to provide consistent water supply to households within their jurisdiction.


Even more striking is that despite allocated grant funding for water infrastructure, these employees fail to spend these resources, resulting in millions of unutilised Rands being reclaimed by the National Treasury at the end of every financial year.



Between 2015 and 2019, access to water in the province declined drastically from 79% to 70%, a worrying trend that only appears to be worsening. This situation resulted in an increase in the number of complaints received by the SAHRC concerning lack of access to water, which initiated the inquiry in October 2021.


Findings reveal that despite receiving sufficient training, municipalities have continued to underspend the conditional grants provided by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). Particular mention was made of the Lephalale and Mogalakwena local municipalities.


The SAHRC panel noted instances wherein people faced unfortunate circumstances such as having to share water sources with livestock due to lack of access to clean water. In response to the SAHRC findings, all ten investigated municipalities are required to outline plans to ensure water supply for every resident within their jurisdiction. Further, relevant oversight bodies including the DWS, Coghsta and the Office of the Premier have been directed to provide effective support to ensure adherence to the Water Services Act.


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