The Northern Cape needs a whopping R22 billion for water infrastructure, while another R5 billion is needed to ensure decent access to sanitation.

But the very water tankers were now a challenge as authorities struggled to keep them filled, Vass added, saying all five regions of the province needed a massive cash injection into its water infrastructure.

Vass said the province historically had financial shortages, adding another challenge was access to decent water and sanitation services.

Figures show 10 727 households in formal areas have no access to water, while 34 464 have no access to sanitation.

Worst-hit province

The province is one of the worst hit by an ongoing drought which has led to the death of thousands of head of livestock - the primary source of income in the area.