How the Western Cape's water resilience strategy to secure water for all by 2035
The Western Cape Government has launched its Water Resilience Strategy 2025–2035.
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Cape Town's water future is getting a major boost. The Western Cape Government has launched its Water Resilience Strategy 2025–2035, a plan to secure reliable, sustainable, and equitable water access across the province.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said the strategy ensures “every community, farm, business, and ecosystem has reliable water.” He added that resilience must be built before a crisis, not after one.
The ten-year plan sets ambitious targets. It aims to secure an additional 310 million cubic metres of water per year and conserve 40 million cubic metres through efficiency and demand management. It also seeks to diversify water sources, reduce water losses to below 25%, and ensure safely managed water access for all urban residents.
Tertuis Simmers, Western Cape MEC of Infrastructure, called the strategy “an economic, social, and moral compact” for sustainable water access. Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, highlighted its economic importance, saying secure water supports agriculture, unlocks investment, and helps build a R1-trillion economy by 2035.
The strategy focuses on four pillars: water conservation, water augmentation through reuse and desalination, modernising infrastructure, and strengthening governance and partnerships.
Bredell also noted the plan will improve access for vulnerable households, increasing free water from 6 kilolitres to 10 kilolitres per household. “Access to clean water provides dignity and reduces pressure on clinics and hospitals,” he said.
After years of droughts and floods, Cape Town residents can look forward to more reliable water supply, stronger infrastructure, and better protection against future crises. The strategy promises a water-secure, sustainable future for the province.