Water is such a scarce commodity, and full recovery of its loss is extremely difficult. It remains a big challenge to increase the supply thereof to meet the demand. Given this, it is important for South Africans to continue preserving water and to monitor its usage to guard against further wastage.
However, people who have never been without water usually take it for granted preserving this precious commodity. Water is a finite resource and since water scarcity is a global problem, it affects poorer communities the most.
As population and economic development continues growing, some countries struggle to meet the demand to supply. South Africa falls under this category following its classification as one of the driest countries in the world, ranking 30th out of 193 arid countries.
The impacts of climate have made water availability unpredictable; this results in droughts, floods, and rising sea levels. Climate change is not a new topic, but does not resonate or “trend” enough as it should.
South Africa mainly depends on rainwater, which falls mostly in the summer season Z December to February Z and the Western Cape rainfall during winter season from June to August. However, due to climate change and other factors, rainfall has become uncertain.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), as the custodian of the country’s water resources and primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of policy governing the sector, strives to ensure that South Africans have access to clean water and dignified sanitation, in addition to promoting effective water resources management.
It is for this reason that the DWS introduced the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NWSMP). The plan is intended to guide the water sector with investment planning for the development of water resources, and the delivery of water and sanitation services over the horizon until 2030 and beyond. The master plan has a list of key projects and action programmes to put in place for the protection and development of the national water resources. The plan also entails the provision of adequate and reliable water and sanitation services to all citizens.
Sustainable water management is central to building resilience in societies and ecosystems to reduce carbon emissions. Therefore, alongside the NWSMP, active and responsible citizenry is encouraged. The need for water security in the face of global climate change calls for a national and unified approach.
Every action towards water security is of the utmost importance, in the community and households. It is crucial to take care of running taps, report leakages to the local municipality, or report sewer leakages to the DWS’ toll-free number 0800-200-200.
We must ensure we protect our water infrastructure by not vandalising it. Everyone has a role to play.
- Nondumiso Mciteka is senior communication officer at the Free State DWS.
