Heading for Murky Waters

Recent rains have brought relief to many drought-stricken parts of the country, with forecasts indicating that South Africa might be out of the woods this year. But concerns around the management of water infrastructure remain.

- Mariam Isa

South Africa may be out of the woods this year, as refreshed climate models predict a summer of normal or even above-average rainfall, which should help replenish dams and provide some relief to struggling farmers. But the country’s problems with drought and scarce water resources are far from over.

It will probably take three years to replenish its main dams and the steady progression of climate change means that in the years ahead, South Africa and neighbouring countries in the region will continue to experience higher temperatures, drought and erratic rainfall – possibly even floods.

The trend will put an ever-increasing strain on the country’s crumbling water infrastructure, which as the population grows is likely to put South Africa in a similar predicament as it was a few years ago when delays in the construction of the Medupi and Kusile power stations led to crippling electricity shortages.

Already in deficit

According to a paper published by the Institute for Security Studies in March, national water withdrawals already exceeded reliable supply and even with all the large scale interventions planned by the department of water and sanitation (DWS), rising demand from municipalities, industry and agriculture would keep this the case until 2035.

The challenge is compounded by the fact that municipalities are losing at least a quarter of the water they should be able to provide through leaking pipes, while a further 10% is unaccounted for – meaning that a significant chunk of revenue which water boards need to deliver is being lost.