Enhancing Sustainable and Resilient Water Infrastructure in South Africa in the Face of Climate Change

In the context of climate change, ensuring the sustainability and resilience of urban water infrastructure in South Africa remains a critical challenge. This study investigates the barriers hindering effective water infrastructure delivery and identifies the factors contributing to inefficiencies. It also evaluates strategies to enhance the resilience and sustainability of water infrastructure projects, focusing on water utility agencies across the country. Key research questions include: What are the barriers to the delivery of sustainable and resilient water infrastructure in South Africa? What strategies can enable the delivery of sustainable and resilient water infrastructure in South Africa? Using survey research, statistical modelling, and case study analysis, the study highlights significant challenges such as ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance, financial constraints, climate change impacts, governance issues, inefficient project management, and water resource scarcity. These challenges were found to stem from four core dimensions: inadequate project management practices, organisational and managerial limitations, operational and maintenance deficiencies, and socio‐political factors. In response, the study proposes a five‐pronged strategic framework to strengthen water infrastructure delivery. Recommended strategies include upgrading and maintaining ageing systems, improving funding mechanisms and financial oversight, adopting climate‐resilient technologies, enhancing project management capacity, and reinforcing governance and accountability structures. Implementing these strategies is essential for ensuring South African cities are better prepared to withstand climate‐related disruptions and maintain reliable access to water resources. Ultimately, integrating sustainability and resilience into water infrastructure planning and management is vital for securing long‐term water security and supporting urban development under changing environmental conditions