While there is no quick, one-size-fits-all solution for South Africa’s complex, ongoing water challenges, public-private partnerships (PPPs) can serve as a strategic model to address water management challenges comprehensively.

South Africa’s water scarcity has long been exacerbated by ageing infrastructure, budget constraints and regional management discrepancies, challenges that can only be resolved through comprehensive stakeholder engagement and cooperation across various sectors.

PPPs are more than likely the path to follow, says Tsebo Facilities Management CEO Aubrey McElnea, noting that a significant challenge is that South Africa is a water scarce country, with every region in the country facing water challenges.

“Letting the private sector invest in the infrastructure is probably the quickest and most effective way to fix many of the challenges, as councils will not be able to raise enough funds to fix this in the short term,” he continues.

He cites the example of a large 70-year-old pipe in Republic road, in Randburg, which has ruptured about 20 times over a few months.

“This starts telling you why we are having some of these problems and the challenge is, as some of these areas are fixed, it creates a water pressure somewhere else, which, in turn, leads to ruptured pipes elsewhere.”

There is a need for an overhaul of infrastructure and the adoption of advanced technologies, says Tsebo Facilities Solutions head of engineering Ebrahim Patel, stressing that upgrading South Africa’s infrastructure, including modernising pipelines and constructing large underground water storage facilities, which will help mitigate supply interruptions and reduce losses owing to leaks, is critical.

It is a joint problem that has been developing over a long period, and the private sector stands ready to assist government and councils, McElnea comments.

There have been several successful PPP programmes over the last few decades which prove that harnessing the private sector assists in tackling challenges in an environment of scarce resources.

PPPs can lead to a pooling of resources and expertise, accelerating the deployment of innovative solutions and ensuring sustainable management practices.

“By sharing expertise, resources and responsibilities, stakeholders can devise more effective strategies to tackle the water crisis head-on,” says Patel, adding that the water situation is similar to the electricity crisis, which developed over time.

Eventually, the private sector stepped in to do what it could do, including installing renewable energy and reducing electricity use.

“We will see a similar trend from a water perspective. It is a welcome trend, because we want collaboration with government and municipalities, as that is the only way we can really tackle this issue.”

He points out that private businesses with the know-how and technologies can assist.

“It has to be a collaborative process, because it affects all of us.”

While the refurbishment of key infrastructure is necessary, technology will also play a critical role in addressing water scarcity, as technologies enable real-time monitoring and adjustment of water distribution, significantly reducing waste and improving overall water management efficiency.

However, these technological advancements and infrastructure upgrades must be complemented by a shift in societal attitudes towards water use and conservation.

“South Africa needs to foster a more water-conscious society, accentuating the importance of sustainable practices and the adoption of technologies like greywater recycling,” concludes McElnea.