World Water day is held on the 22nd of March annually and aims to highlight the importance of fresh water and advocate for its sustainable management.
In South Africa’ both the failing water infrastructure and the ever-increasing population have exacerbated the country’s water crisis. This consistent population crease, along with substandard water infrastructure, and low rainfall in recent years, has caused a severe water crisis.
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PICTURE: PEXABAYAccording to the department, almost 25-30% of South Africa’s water is lost due to leakages and failing infrastructure. An estimated 70 million litres of water are lost daily due to faulty infrastructure. On top of South Africa’s failing infrastructure, since about 2015, the country has seen record-low levels of rain, likely caused by anthropogenic climate change.
The effects of these problems are felt in regions such as the Nelson Mandela Bay metro in the Eastern Cape. This area has experienced water shortages for nearly eight years straight. As it currently stands, the area’s water supply is in the worst position it has been to date.
Currently, dam levels in the Western Cape stand at 49.2%, this is a 0.3% decrease from last week. At the same time last year, dams stood at 62.1%. Meanwhile, damns supplying the City of Cape Town stand at 55.4% compared to last week's 56.2%. This is a major decrease from last year's 74.1%.
Water and sanitation are fundamental human rights, needed for complete health and well-being. Billions of people still lack access, and millions in South Africa still suffer daily because of poor infrastructure and lack of access to clean water. Do your part this National Water Week to reach the national and world target of universal access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030.
Done by: Thaakiera Ackerdien
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