Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Tony Carnie
Published on 2024-04-06 19:06:19
Nearly ten years after the inception of a nationwide “war on leaks” campaign by the government, the issue of water loss continues to worsen in South Africa. Currently, almost half of the country’s purified water supply is lost due to leaks, theft, or non-payment. The latest benchmarking report highlights Durban as the worst offender, with over 58% of its tap water supply categorized as non-revenue water. Johannesburg closely follows at 48.2%, with other major cities like Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni, and Cape Town also experiencing significant losses.
At a national level, the government’s water balance sheet reveals non-revenue water losses at 47.4%, with pipe leaks accounting for 40.8% of those losses. This wastage of a critical resource not only exacerbates the water scarcity issue in the country but also results in substantial revenue losses for municipalities. The funds lost due to water leaks could be utilized to maintain and repair deteriorating pipelines and infrastructure responsible for the frequent water supply disruptions experienced by communities nationwide.
Rather than addressing the root cause of the problem by fixing the leaks, the government is facing pressure to invest billions in constructing new dams to meet the increasing demand for water in urban areas. Additionally, municipalities are raising utility bills to compensate for the revenue lost through leaks. The construction of the Polihali Dam in Lesotho and a new dam in the uMkhomazi River in KwaZulu-Natal are just a few examples of the costly measures being taken to address the water crisis.
Non-revenue water losses primarily stem from physical leaks in pipes and infrastructure, with significant percentages reported at both a national and provincial level. While some provinces have managed to keep losses relatively low, smaller municipalities like Zululand and uMkhanyakude district face losses exceeding 85%. The issue is further exacerbated by the lack of efficient water management practices and aging infrastructure.
To alleviate the pressure on water resources and revenue streams, there is a growing need for municipalities to prioritize leak detection and repair initiatives. By investing in skilled engineers and implementing comprehensive water management programs, municipalities can effectively reduce non-revenue water losses. Examples such as Cape Town’s successful reduction in water consumption during the “Day Zero” crisis demonstrate the positive impact of proactive water conservation measures.
It is imperative for the government to take decisive action in curbing water losses to ensure sustainable water supply for urban areas. By prioritizing leak detection and repair programs and investing in infrastructure maintenance, municipalities can mitigate the financial and environmental impact of water wastage. With concerted efforts and effective management, South Africa can work towards a more sustainable and efficient water system for the future.
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