Phillips highlighted that the delays in the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, amounting to $2 billion, have left Gauteng and the surrounding region with insufficient water supply.

"This region, home to about 26 million people and accounting for approximately 60% of South Africa's economic activity, is currently experiencing tight water supply conditions," Phillips said.

During a webinar organized by Creamer Media on Wednesday the 27th of March 2024, Phillips emphasized that until the completion of the Lesotho expansion, water supply will remain constrained.

The recent water crisis in Johannesburg, where a significant portion of the city faced water shortages for nearly two weeks, underscored the urgency of addressing the water supply challenges.

Rand Water, the primary water supplier drawing from the initial phase of the Lesotho Project, issued warnings about potential system failures that could affect Johannesburg and two other major urban centers.

Phillips mentioned that progress is now being made on both the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the uMkhomazi Water Project, which is crucial for supplying water to Durban in the southeastern region.

The Lesotho project involves constructing the Polihali Dam in Lesotho and developing tunnels to transfer water to South Africa's Vaal River system, ultimately increasing the annual water supply from Lesotho to South Africa.

In response to the ongoing water challenges and public dissatisfaction, South Africa's Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu has proposed comprehensive reforms in the national water industry.

These reforms aim to attract private investment, enhance accountability, and address the widespread water supply interruptions experienced across the country.

As part of these reforms, Parliament recently passed the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure SOC Bill, establishing the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency as a state-owned company and major public entity.

The new agency is envisioned to play a crucial role in ensuring a reliable water supply amid the ongoing water service delivery pressures in various parts of the country.