South Africa is ranked as one of most vulnerable countries to climate change and, in particular, to water-related vulnerability. Accordingly, the government's National Adaptation Plan stresses the need for enhanced water efficiency as water usage already exceeds reliable yields in a time when precipitation patterns are changing for the worse and as average temperatures continue to rise. Without action, the country is projected to face a 17 per cent water deficit by 2030.

The project aims to establish and operationalise a national water reuse programme (WRP) that helps address the water scarcity issue by transforming the country’s wastewater system. By treating water as a new asset class and stimulating and activating the water reuse market, South Africa can unlock future economic growth while protecting its scarce and increasingly demanded water-resources. The funding from GCF will reduce the risk exposure of potential private financiers and municipalities by blending GCF funds with funds from private investors while providing key stakeholders with technical assistance and capacity-building.

Grants from the GCF Project Preparation Facility (PPF) supported the Accredited Entity in the development of this project's funding proposal (FP).