Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Conversation
Published on 2024-03-01 14:15:00
In Johannesburg, South Africa, residents have been facing frequent water supply issues since late 2023. Planned and unplanned water outages have become a common occurrence, affecting the entire city, including shanty towns, less affluent areas, and more affluent neighborhoods. The city relies on Rand Water, its bulk water supplier, which purchases water from the Department of Water and Sanitation. However, there is a mismatch between the water allocation set by the national government and the actual needs on the ground.
The Vaal Dam, the region’s largest dam, supplies water to Johannesburg and Pretoria, among other cities and towns in Gauteng. The current water allocation is based on the dam’s capacity, future needs, and the population of the province. However, the construction of new dams, such as Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Scheme, has been delayed, causing a water shortage in the face of a rapidly growing population.
Additionally, the City of Johannesburg’s poor financial management has led to inadequate funding for water infrastructure maintenance. Aging infrastructure, such as pipes over 70 years old, results in frequent leaks and breaks, further exacerbating the water supply issues. The city’s billing system does not ring-fence funds for maintenance, leading to competing projects and insufficient resources allocated for repairs.
Furthermore, non-revenue water, which includes unbilled water, leakages, and theft, contributes to the water shortage. Gauteng has a non-revenue water rate of 49.2%, significantly higher than countries like Denmark and Chile. The excessive water consumption in Gauteng, with an average of 279 liters per person per day, surpasses global and national averages, leading to wastage and the need for increased conservation efforts.
To address the water crisis in Johannesburg, a collective effort is required. The City must prioritize maintenance and repairs of water infrastructure, while residents need to reduce their water usage and become more water conscious. Civil action groups, such as WaterCAN, highlight the growing concern over water scarcity and the need for sustainable solutions.
Ultimately, the experience of Cape Town’s water crisis in 2018 serves as a reminder of the importance of water conservation and the need for proactive measures to ensure uninterrupted water supply. By addressing financial management issues, investing in infrastructure, and promoting water conservation practices, Johannesburg can work towards a sustainable water future for its residents.
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