from Deteriorating Infrastructure

South African homeowners are facing increasing challenges due to the nation’s deteriorating public infrastructure, which may lead to significant risks not always covered by insurance policies. Molebatsi Langa, Head of Retail Strategic Accounts at Old Mutual Insure, emphasizes that 2025 is poised to be marked by escalating risks stemming from infrastructure failures. ​
FA News

In Gauteng, the economic heart of South Africa, the impact is particularly severe. Johannesburg has been experiencing water supply cuts lasting up to 86 hours, disrupting daily life and business operations. ​
Financial Times

These water shortages introduce new hazards. For instance, low water pressure can severely impede firefighting efforts, as fire engines rely on adequate water sources to combat fires effectively. ​
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To mitigate these risks, Langa offers the following advice for homeowners:

Assess Fire Safety Infrastructure: Before purchasing a property, ensure there are adequate water points or hydrants nearby to facilitate firefighting if necessary. ​

Diversify Water Sources: Don't rely solely on municipal water supplies. Explore alternatives such as groundwater extraction or installing rainwater harvesting systems to secure a more dependable water supply. ​
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Implement Flood-Proofing Measures: Invest in property modifications like raising platforms at critical points and creating channels to direct water away from your home, reducing the risk of flood damage. ​

Additionally, Langa urges homeowners to review their insurance policies to understand coverage specifics and discuss further risk mitigation strategies with their insurers. ​

By proactively addressing these infrastructure-related challenges, homeowners can better protect their properties and ensure they have appropriate coverage in place.​

For a detailed discussion on Johannesburg’s water crisis and its implications, you can watch the following video: