An estimated R900 billion is required to address water infrastructure in South Africa.
This emerged at a function to launch a Water Partnership Office, at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
The partnership is among the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the DBSA and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
The DBSA said the mandate of the office, is to create opportunities for the private sector in the water business.
This will be done through a focus on infrastructure planning and project bankability, mobilizing private sector funding and building municipal capacity.
The financial muscle is Swiss Government – SECO Economic Cooperation and Development.
Speaking at the function, Dr Sean Phillips, Director General of the Department of Water and Sanitation, thanked the Swiss Government.
Lebo Seperepere of the DBSA said “this initiative aims to provide sustainable infrastructure that promotes economic growth and justice for all South Africans.”
Mirk Manzoni, Swiss Ambassador, emphasized the need to invest in water infrastructure, becayse many communities suffer from inadequate services despite promising dam levels.