WaterCAN calls for urgent action to address widespread water leaks
Drop the politicking, focus on solutions and tell the public what you’re doing
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WaterCAN, an initiative of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), has called for urgent meetings with Rand Water and Johannesburg Water over the ongoing water crisis.
Over the past year, Gauteng has witnessed a disturbing increase in water challenges, marked by frequent shutdowns, water shedding and now “water shifting”. This crisis has left numerous communities without water for days, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
The situation has reached a critical point, with cities like Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni routinely losing 30% to 34% of their water to leaks and losses, while Emfuleni experiences an alarming 71% loss. These statistics, released in a reply to Parliament by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, underscore the urgent need for immediate action. WaterCAN emphasises that these losses are not just numbers; they represent a dire reality of irresponsible behaviour that South Africa can no longer afford.
“At a time when every drop of water matters, we cannot allow negligence, poor excuses and grandstanding to be in the way of responsible water management. South Africa’s water leaks are not only an environmental crisis but also a testament to the lack of accountability that has gone unaddressed for far too long,” says Dr Ferrial Adam, Executive Manager of WaterCAN.
The responses so far to the public from Rand Water, Joburg Water, municipalities, and city mayors have been disappointing, characterised by finger pointing and blame games rather than providing solutions, leadership, and direction. A glaring example of this poor leadership is the mayor of the City of Johannesburg, who reportedly blamed the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for the crisis and failed to attend meetings with the DWS and Rand Water. While the DWS is not without its faults, now more than ever we need a united multi-pronged approach to sorting out our water crisis. All levels of government must come together and work towards a solution instead of engaging in petty political games.
“The reality is that this crisis will not be solved in the near future, and it is becoming our new norm. It is imperative that every citizen recognises their role in conserving water, especially until projects like Lesotho Highlands 2 are completed, which might extend beyond 2028,” says Dr Adam. “We need to embrace this as a long-term challenge that requires sustained efforts from everyone.”
The recent outbreak of cholera cases in Hammanskraal, coupled with staggering water losses and deteriorating infrastructure, highlights the pressing need for a united, multi-pronged approach. WaterCAN calls upon the government, municipalities, and all stakeholders to collaborate immediately. We demand:
• Regular communication from authorities to residents: Implement a communication strategy akin to the weekly updates during the Covid pandemic.
• Clear action plans: Municipalities must outline clear, actionable steps for the next two years, focusing on leak repairs, improving wastewater treatment works (WWTW) and enhancing water treatment plants.
• Collaborative structure: Establish a comprehensive structure involving all levels of government, water bodies, academics, experts, and civil society representatives. A “Codesa-type” approach is urgently needed to tackle this crisis collectively.
• Community engagement: Engage community structures to act as watchdogs against vandalism and assist in fixing leaks. Use registered plumbers to advise and assist in these efforts.
• Public awareness: Raise public awareness about the water crisis, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in water conservation and the significance of everyone’s role in addressing the crisis.
“The government needs to acknowledge the severity of the water crisis we’re facing. Ignoring it violates our human rights, and they must be held accountable,” emphasises Dr Adam. “We urge them to seek help and abandon political games. If urgent action is not taken, we are heading towards a deeper crisis.”
WaterCAN implores the government and relevant authorities to act decisively. Failure to address this crisis now will have devastating consequences, impacting millions of South Africans and jeopardising the nation’s sustainability.
More info
A voicenote by Dr Ferrial Adam found here
