The African Water and Sanitation Industry Association (AWSISA) is advocating for the creation of “utilities of the future”, with water management experts such as water boards partnering municipalities through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to enable the efficient management of water and sanitation services.

This would leverage the expertise of water boards and municipalities, and help to reduce losses and ensure a reliable water supply.

AWSISA, concerned about the impact of intermittent power supply from municipalities on water security, emphasises the need for an integrated approach to mitigate the challenges faced by municipalities, as South Africa's water crisis, particularly in Gauteng, highlights the intricate relationship between water and energy security.

Municipalities, while responsible for providing water and sanitation services, often lack the expertise to plan and maintain both water and energy infrastructure effectively, which results in inefficiencies, losses and a compromised water supply.

Power failures can have a devastating impact on water systems, which require more time to recover than power systems, while the lack of maintenance of both water and energy infrastructure exacerbates the water availability factor, leaving communities vulnerable to water shortages, the association explains.

The implementation of “utilities of the future” would have a significant impact on the water crisis in Gauteng.

A crucial aspect is the ring-fencing of water and sanitation revenue and grants, which would ensure that funds allocated for water and sanitation services are used exclusively for this purpose, rather than being diverted to other municipal priorities.

To guarantee the success of this model, AWSISA emphasises the importance of professional management.

The SPV should be led by experienced professionals with a deep understanding of water and sanitation management, as well as energy infrastructure planning and maintenance

“By adopting this innovative approach, South Africa can overcome the challenges of the water and energy nexus, providing a reliable and sustainable water supply for generations to come.

“This collaborative approach is essential to addressing the water and energy nexus, ensuring water security, and promoting sustainable development in South Africa,” the association concludes.