Sanitation
Sanitation is the industry sector concerned with the safe collection, treatment, disposal and reuse of human waste, wastewater and solid refuse to protect public health and the environment. The sector encompasses the design, construction, operation and maintenance of sewerage networks, wastewater treatment plants, on-site sanitation systems such as septic tanks and pit latrines, and stormwater drainage infrastructure. Sanitation services are typically provided by municipal utilities, regional water boards or specialised public agencies, though private-sector participation in operations and maintenance is growing in many African markets. Access to adequate sanitation remains a critical development challenge across sub-Saharan Africa, where millions of people rely on rudimentary facilities or practise open defecation, contributing to waterborne disease outbreaks and environmental degradation. Investment in sanitation infrastructure is closely linked to water supply, urban planning and public health policy, and is often bundled with water services under integrated water and sanitation authorities. The sector is capital-intensive, requiring sustained government funding, development finance and increasingly public-private partnerships to extend coverage and upgrade ageing systems. Sanitation also intersects with resource recovery and the circular economy, as modern treatment technologies enable the extraction of biogas, fertiliser and reclaimed water from waste streams. Regulatory frameworks typically mandate minimum service standards, effluent quality limits and tariff structures to ensure affordability and environmental compliance. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 calls for universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation by 2030, driving policy attention and donor support across the continent.
Sanitation Updates
AfriForum heads to court to halt Johannesburg Metro’s unlawful water levy
12th June 2026 The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality’s continued refusal to explain or justify its controversial 65,6% increase in the water demand... →
Water and sanitation crisis in Makana Municipality
10th June 2026 The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/the Commission) Eastern Cape Provincial Office today released its Investigation Report into the... →
Water Committee raises alarm over municipal failure to implement corrective action plans
By: Natasha Odendaal 10th June 2026 The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has expressed concern over water services authorities’ continued non-compliance in submitting and... →
Outcomes-based bonds as Africa's most powerful tool for solving the water crisis
18th May 2026 Across the African continent, water infrastructure is under increasing strain. The compounding pressures of accelerating urbanisation, decaying... →
ActionSA Commends the Progress Made on Stabilising Water Network in Tshwane
24th April 2026 ActionSA commends progress made by the current administration under ActionSA Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya on stabilising the water network in the City of... →
SAHRC recommends N Cape state of disaster as report exposes systemic infrastructure failure 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 22nd April 2026 The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has recommended that Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul declare a provincial state of disaster in... →
DWS raises concerns over Meyerton wastewater treatment works upgrade delay
By: Natasha Odendaal 15th April 2026 Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo on Wednesday raised concern over delays in finalising the R220-million project to upgrade... →
Some progress on Water Indaba 2025 resolutions, but implementation a year in patchy
By: Natasha Odendaal 10th April 2026 A year after the inaugural 2025 Water and Sanitation Indaba set out clear resolutions to reverse the significant decline seen in South Africa’s... →
DA concerned over tariff increases in Polokwane without proper cost analysis
7th April 2026 The DA in Polokwane Local Municipality has raised concerns regarding the proposed tariff increases as submitted to Council in the Draft Budget for... →
South Africa needs R250-billion just to meet basic climate adaptation needs over the next decade
25th March 2026 South Africa needs investments worth R250-billion (US$15.64-billion) over the next 10 years to adapt to climate change. This amount would get the... →
