Fatshimetrie, an in-depth study of South Africa’s water crisis
South Africa’s water crisis is a growing problem, exacerbated by aging infrastructure and failing distribution systems in municipalities across the country.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted these challenges during a question and answer session in Parliament, noting that despite significant water reserves in the country’s dams, this resource is not reaching citizens efficiently due to a failing supply chain, riddled with leaks, obsolete pipes and neglected maintenance.
Reticulation, which refers to the network of pipes and systems that distribute water from a central source to users, is a major problem that exacerbates an already vulnerable system, often putting the most disadvantaged communities in critical situations when it comes to accessing clean water.
The Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and parts of Gauteng have particularly suffered from these challenges, according to Mashatile.
He highlighted that financially strapped municipalities do not have the resources to maintain water infrastructure, let alone upgrade it. Municipalities’ unpaid bills to water suppliers were also highlighted, reaching alarming amounts.
In light of this critical situation, Mashatile and Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina have sought financial support from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to address these structural challenges. They have jointly established a water task force to step up efforts at the municipal level and coordinate interventions to strengthen a system riddled with flaws.
Mashatile highlighted a worrying phenomenon, that of “water mafias”, who take advantage of shortages by manipulating water supply for profit. This illicit practice is exacerbating the crisis and undermining efforts to restore water infrastructure.
He stressed that promoting a culture of paying for services, investing in modern infrastructure and strengthening the financial sustainability of municipalities are essential to achieving a sustainable solution.
In conclusion, the water crisis in South Africa requires urgent and coordinated action at all levels of government to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water across the country. Awareness, targeted investments and effective governance measures are essential to overcome these pressing challenges and ensure a sustainable future for South African citizens.