MZANSI'S water crisis is telling with more water supply systems in a critical state than not!
Some communities around Mzansi lack running water, resorting to bucket systems, and concerns about water safety continue, with some preferring bottled water over tap water.
The latest reports released by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) paint a grim picture of the country's water situation. The quality of drinking water has decreased since 2014, according to the 2023 Blue Drop Report.
Furthermore, the No Drop Report revealed an alarming increase in non-revenue water, reaching 47% in 2023.
Non-revenue water refers to water that is lost before it reaches consumers due to pipe leaks, theft, or inefficient management practices.
In addition, the Green Drop Report highlighted that 64% of wastewater treatment works were found to be a high or critical risk.
March 20 to 26 is World National Water Week. Around this time, yearly under different themes, the DWS unpacks water supply and sanitation, addressing challenges like water security and deteriorating water quality. Although the day holds significant importance, it also serves as a reminder of continued struggles for many people.
The cholera death terror
On 1 February 2023, a deadly cholera outbreak occurred in the country, further exacerbating the pressing issue of water.
Just three months later, Gauteng Health declared an outbreak in Hammanskraal.
Before they knew it, the province saw a skyrocketing climb in hospital admissions, death toll and cases.
ALSO READ: Stabbing ritual goes wrong!
By July, Hammanskraal's death toll peaked at 50 deaths.
The cholera outbreak cast the spotlight on controversial businessman Edwin Sodi for a R295 million tender that was awarded to refurbish and upgrade the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
According to Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu, this saw the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigations on the water treatment works after the signing of a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Phase one investigations were to investigate the upgrades and urgent refurbishment at the wastewater treatment plant.
The latest report by the City of Tshwane indicates progress in the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant progress
The city said it continues with mobile water tanker services for communities around Hammanskraal from designated water filling points and testing.
By March 2024, the city aims to use wastewater technology at the water plant to treat sewage and improve the quality of effluent discharged into Apies River, as well as ensuring the provision of an alternative water source by the Magalies Water Board for Hammanskraal through the emergency construction of a 30-40Ml/day package plant at Klipdrift Water Treatment Works.
“The Package Plant will be implemented in a phased approach on Units of 10Ml/day at a time. The units will be in place starting from October 2023 at Klipdrift WTW to improve water provision through piped system to all residents," the city said.
Water for Peace
In the meantime, DSW spokeswoman Kamogelo Mogotsi said they've embarked on its advocacy programmes at the beginning of March as part of the National Water Month under the theme “Leveraging Water for Peace."
As an intervention, Mogotsi said the department is implementing new resource development projects and water conservation and demand management programs to ensure sufficient water supply in some parts of the country.
“These include opportunities for further water projects development in addition to current available surface water, such as leveraging on groundwater and desalination of seawater.
“As well as return flows from treated waste-water systems as well as reuse of other poor-quality water such as acid mine drainage,” Mogotsi said.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHB5ez7tkj0FuHQkQ0s
