Clean Water, Closer to Home: 67 New Rural Water Schemes Roll Out as R156 Billion Investment Flows

Safe drinking water is on its way to dozens of rural communities after government launched the National Water Access Acceleration Programme, rolling out 67 decentralised water supply schemes across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

The programme was unveiled on International Nelson Mandela Day, 18 July 2026, and Cabinet has now formally commended the launch, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told journalists in Pretoria, as reported by SAnews.

Boreholes, springs and treatment plants for unserved communities

The 67 schemes comprise boreholes and package water treatment plants aimed at expanding access to safe drinking water in rural communities that currently lack reliable water services. They represent the first phase of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s programme, implemented through water boards under the Water Services Act.

“More than R200 million has been allocated to Phase One of the programme, which combines borehole drilling, groundwater development, spring protection, rainwater harvesting, and rehabilitation of existing water infrastructure to expand access to safe drinking water,” Ntshavheni highlighted.

R156 billion for water infrastructure over three years

The acceleration programme sits within a much larger public investment push. Earlier this year, government allocated R156 billion to water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years – funding that will expand and maintain water networks, improve supply reliability and strengthen services in communities across the country.

Cabinet also welcomed the release of the National Water Action Plan, which sets out short-, medium- and long-term interventions to secure a reliable supply of quality water for all South Africans. Among its measures are increased investment in water infrastructure, including through private-sector participation, and legal and regulatory reforms to improve municipal service delivery.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa assured citizens that government is focused on implementation, so that running water reaches every South African, regardless of where they live.

A stronger framework for the future

Looking further ahead, Cabinet approved the publication of the draft Strategic Framework for Water and Sanitation Services for a 60-day public comment period. The reviewed framework sets sector targets and emphasises climate resilience, financial sustainability, digital transformation and improved planning and delivery.

“The strategy is intended to strengthen sector governance, improve planning and delivery, and support the provision of sustainable, reliable, and equitable water and sanitation services for all South Africans,” the Minister said.

For families in the programme’s first 67 communities, the impact will be measured in something far simpler: clean, safe water flowing closer to home.

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