As in the case with energy, water crisis demonstrates ANC’s inability to govern

24 November 2023

There is a Greek myth about King Midas who turned whatever he touched into gold. With the ANC government in South Africa, the exact opposite is true. Everything it touches goes to ruin.

While government has faced enormous challenges regarding water provision over the past few decades, it has barely succeeded in installing a few taps in previously disadvantaged communities.

There is no effective management of existing water sources, maintenance and planning for the future.

And today – as is the case with every other problem in the country, such as the power problem – it has grown into a crisis that can no longer be explained away. The ANC emperor is naked. The supposed cloak of Apartheid that was supposed to hide all its flaws no longer exists.

To make matters worse, factors such as population growth, urbanisation and climate change are all putting mounting pressure on water infrastructure. Meanwhile, the problem has turned into a crisis which is heading for disaster. The ANC is simply too inept to do something about it.

Mismanagement and corruption within the water sector have undermined government's few feeble attempts to tackle the crisis.

In addition, severe droughts over the last few years have put immense pressure on water sources while these scarcer sources are becoming more and more polluted – again due to an incompetent government.

Climate change exacerbates these problems and in the foreseeable future, droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe.

The lack of proper infrastructure for water storage as well as the treatment and distribution of water compounds the water crisis. Old pipelines, leakages and inadequate storage facilities result in significant water losses.

Rapid population growth and urbanisation are also putting immense pressure on existing water sources and infrastructure. The higher demand for water frequently exceeds the supply. Our water is literally running out.

And the consequences are already becoming evident. For example, health risks posed by waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhus and diarrhoea.

The economic impact of water shortages is also becoming clearer. Industries, agriculture and tourism all depend heavily on water.

The possible solutions are obvious: Planning for infrastructure development and maintenance is at the core of it.

Water-saving measures should be encouraged while the potential of alternative water sources, including desalination, rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment, should be unlocked.

This emphasises the need for better governance and planning to ensure sustainable water management in South Africa. The best possible proposals for resolving these problems will, unfortunately, mean nothing while the ANC remains in power.

Issued by Piet Mey, FF Plus MP and chief spokesperson: Water and Sanitation, 24 November 2023