WATER is such a scarce commodity that it is impossible to increase supply – as such, demand and waste need to be monitored and reduced.
However, people who have never been without water usually take it for granted.
Water scarcity is a problem across the globe, with poorer communities being affected the most.
Water is a finite resource and as the population increases and economic development continues, some countries are failing to meet the demand.
South Africa falls under this category and has been classified as one of the driest countries in the world, ranking 30th out of 193 arid countries.
The country’s water woes are further exacerbated by climate change.
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, to highlight its importance.
South Africa heavily relies on rainwater, with most of its rainfall in the summer season, from December to February and the Western Cape rainfall season being between 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, aims to ensure that all South Africans have access to clean water and dignified sanitation, while also promoting effective and efficient water resources management.
It is for this reason that the DWS came up with the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP).
The NW&SMP 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 will include a list of key programmes, projects and actions to be implemented for the protection and development of the national water resources, and the provision of adequate and reliable water and sanitation services for all citizens.
Sustainable water management is central to building resilience in societies and ecosystems to reduce carbon emissions.
Therefore, alongside the NW&SMP, active and responsible citizenry is encouraged across the spectrum.
The need for water security, particularly in the face of global climate change, calls for a national and unified approach to protecting water.
In this way, all people can benefit from the value-added products and can have access to clean water for basic human needs.
- Nondumiso Mciteka is a senior communication officer with the Department of Water and Sanitation in the Free State.