Water boards tell parliament they are owed nearly R10 billion
Rand Water told the committee that national non-revenue water sat at about 48%, against a global average of about 30%.
Three water supply companies—Rand Water, Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) and Magalies Water—have informed South Africa’s parliament that they are owed a combined R9.7 billion in unpaid bills. These arrears are hampering their plans to expand water supply.
Rand Water CEO Sipho Mosai highlighted Emfuleni, Merafong City, Randwest City and Govan Mbeki as the three provinces' worst defaulters. The water board has offered relief programmes and direct talks with finance chiefs to tackle the issue, but so far municipal debt has risen in three provinces.
Magalies Water’s Ofentse Nthutang reported bulk water debt reached R978 million by June 2026, while operations and maintenance debt stood at R1.7 billion. The utility terminated operations and maintenance services in Madibeng and Kgetleng, but one municipality, Thabazimbi, signed a three-year repayment plan.
LNW CEO Dr Cornelius Ruiters told MPs that customers owed R1.43 billion as of September 2026, with only 22% recovered. He appealed for political intervention to enforce payment.
While the water boards reported stable finances, with Rand Water recording 102.57% of its budgeted revenue in the quarter to June 2026, they still face revenue loss due to water losses and vandalism. National non-revenue water was at 48%, above the global average of 30%. Investments in infrastructure expansion, including new pipelines and upgrades, will require significant funds, with billions earmarked for the next five years.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
