About the Programme

Access to reliable, clean, and affordable water is a constitutional right in South Africa, with over 15.5
million households (88.7% of the population) relying on municipalities and water boards for their supply.
However, the 2022 Infrastructure Report Card [1]from the South African Institution of Civil Engineering
(SAICE) paints a concerning picture. Only 40% of water systems meet microbiological standards, and
just 23% comply with chemical standards. Moreover, 66% of systems have adequate microbiological
monitoring, but only 17% meet chemical monitoring requirements, leaving many systems unable to
detect harmful contaminants. A recent Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) survey also reveals
that water provision is worsening in the province, with access to clean water declining from 82% in 2017
to 60%. [2]Informal settlements, such as Lenasia in Johannesburg, also lack reliable access to clean
water.
The Water Infrastructure Conference seeks to address these critical issues by bringing together
experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore solutions for improving water infrastructure. The
conference will focus on finding solutions to enhancing water quality, expanding monitoring systems,
and improving access to clean water, particularly in underserved communities and informal
settlements. It aims to provide a platform for discussing innovative approaches, sharing best practices,
and identifying collaborative efforts to rebuild and sustain water systems that can meet the needs of all
South Africans.