Water infrastructure poses a significant challenge in Newcastle and other towns across KwaZulu-Natal, where reliable access to water is often compromised by aging and inadequate systems.
However, this issue is set to be addressed through an initiative from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), which has increased critical grant funding to improve water access in municipalities throughout the province.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, praised the DWS’s decision to enhance funding allocations.
According to KZN CoGTA on Tuesday, 15 April 2025, the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) are essential tools designed to support municipalities with water authority status in expanding water service delivery.
The increased funding under the Water Services Infrastructure Grant includes:
· Ugu District Municipality: R15 000 000
· Newcastle Local Municipality: R15 000 000
· Amajuba District Municipality: R15 000 000
· Zululand District Municipality: R55 434 000
Furthermore, KZN COGTA reported that Zululand District Municipality received a further R217 247 000 under the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant.
Commenting on the DWS’s decision, MEC Buthelezi highlighted that the additional funding, allocated based on municipalities’ effective use of previous grants, underscores a commitment to improving water access, particularly in rural areas. This stance was reinforced by Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, during his address at the Black Business Council in the Built Environment (BBCBE) Built Environment Indaba.
Mahlobo emphasised the government’s focus on water security, stating, “Water is life, and we must ensure that every community has access to clean and reliable water sources.”
Furthermore, he noted that the increased funding supports the DWS’s priority to strengthen water infrastructure, adding, “Our investments in infrastructure are not just about pipes and dams; they are about empowering communities, creating jobs, and building a sustainable future.”
Mahlobo also stressed the importance of partnerships with municipalities and the private sector to accelerate project execution, ensuring rural areas like Ugu, Amajuba, and Zululand benefit from consistent water supply systems.
Reflecting on this development, Councillor Zwe Nxumalo, Newcastle Municipality’s Chief Whip acknowledged the value of the DWS funding for Newcastle but stressed the need for further investment to fully address local water access challenges.
“Our water and sanitation infrastructure are aging and dilapidated, and the Newcastle Municipality cannot fully meet its obligations due to this. Also, looking at the past 10 years, the Newcastle population has grown substantially and is putting strain on the infrastructure,” he explained, noting that outdated systems frequently cause burst pipes and leaks, resulting in significant water and financial losses for the municipality.
With R15 000 000 earmarked for Newcastle alone, the stakes are high. Yet, as Councillor Zwe Nxumalo warns, aging infrastructure and a growing population could outpace these gains without further action. Success hinges on seamless partnerships across sectors to transform this funding into enduring solutions. Can this spark a water revolution for the province, or will it merely tide us over?
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 6
So we would like to see who the tenders are going be allocated and too who, not to mention all corruptions with it. Uncable/unqualified contractors will receive these tenders and they make even use unqualified sub-contractors to do the work. They would also be paid before work been completed or quality inspection been done.
If they don’t steal the money at the municipality as usual. They can’t even fix the roads, just filling it with sand? If at all. Damaging our vehicles!
A burst pipe infrastructure is only repaired when it bursts. So Which infrastructure will be replaced ? In my view this will be eventually, allegations of looted for unintended purpose, Not benefit the town. The current failed coalition has left Newcastle in falling apart state. The town has no leadership.
Day 8 with water supply issues!!! WT actual F are they doing??
Rather drag your sorry @sses out of municipality and apply for a vacancy at Boswell & Wilkie. Guaranteed you’ll have a bright future there.
Keep deleting my comments. Truth hurts!
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