House Chairperson,
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) welcomes the tabling of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Limited Amendment Bill [B13–2025], which seeks to strengthen governance and financial accountability in South Africa’s water infrastructure sector.
The Bill amends the 2024 Act to formally list the Agency as a major public entity under Schedule 2 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA); and to delist the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), thereby consolidating oversight and streamlining institutional mandates.
This legislative refinement is timely. South Africa faces mounting water insecurity; ageing infrastructure, climate volatility, and poor maintenance have left many communities vulnerable. The Agency’s establishment in February 2025 was a critical step toward centralising strategic water resource management. However, its effectiveness hinges on robust legal and financial architecture. By aligning the Agency with PFMA Schedule 2, Parliament ensures that it is subject to stricter reporting, audit, and procurement standards—essential for public trust and fiscal discipline.
The ACDP supports the disestablishment of the TCTA, whose overlapping functions and opaque financial arrangements have long been criticised by civil society and the Auditor-General. Research from the Water Research Commission underscores the need for integrated infrastructure planning and transparent funding models to unlock sustainable water delivery.
Chairperson, water is not merely a commodity; it is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of economic resilience. The ACDP calls for the Agency to prioritise rural infrastructure, equitable access, and climate-adaptive technologies. We further urge the Minister to ensure that board appointments reflect technical expertise and ethical leadership.
This Bill is a step forward; now the Agency must deliver on its mandate with integrity, efficiency, and urgency.
I thank you.
