Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Heather Robertson
Published on 2024-04-05 18:45:58
Dear DM168 reader,
This past Easter weekend, I had the pleasure of spending time with family and friends at the serene Zwakala River Retreat in Haenertsburg, Limpopo. Nestled high on the forested slopes of the Magoebaskloof mountains, we experienced continuous rainfall, muddy mountain roads, and the realization of how precious water really is.
It’s astonishing to think that, while we can survive without food for close to a month, just three days without water can lead us to the brink of death. In this week’s DM168 lead story, Tony Carnie sheds light on the shocking fact that up to 40% of piped water is lost due to leaks in South Africa, a water-scarce country. This is a severe issue that is unacceptable on many levels.
During my time at Zwakala, I heard stories from fellow campers in Polokwane about the dire water situation in the city. Businesses and families are now forced to pay exorbitant amounts for water from tanks, as leaking pipes and inadequate water infrastructure maintenance have caused a critical water shortage. Residents of Polokwane and surrounding areas have had to endure days without being able to flush toilets, leading to protests and shutdowns in the city.
Water scarcity is not just a local issue, but a national crisis that affects all of us. The mismanagement of water resources is evident in cities like Johannesburg, where weeks-long water shortages have been caused by leaks and inadequate infrastructure. In Tshwane, a cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal claimed lives due to sewage pollution and poor water management.
The government’s own Blue Drop audit exposed the dismal state of the country’s water systems, with health risks from contaminated drinking water and failing wastewater treatment works. The lack of investment in maintenance and repairs has brought us to this point, where water scarcity threatens lives and livelihoods.
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and DG of Water Sean Phillips are working to address corruption in the water department, but more needs to be done. We need a coordinated effort, a “war room approach,” to tackle water challenges nationwide. Political parties must prioritize budget spend on water infrastructure, ensure accountability, and employ skilled professionals to manage our water resources.
It is crucial that we, as citizens, demand accountability from our leaders on this vital issue. We must ensure that every drop of water is conserved and managed effectively. Only then can we secure a sustainable future for all South Africans.
As you engage with politicians in the upcoming elections, ask them about their plans to address the water crisis. Let’s hold our leaders accountable and demand action to safeguard our most precious resource.
Yours sincerely,
Heather
(Source: Daily Maverick 168)
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
