Not enough is being done
AS A Capetonian I think it’s fair to say we have entered dark times.
I used to think that although politically South Africa has always been a rather turbulent nation, we have been spared in the natural disaster department. Well, no more.
A coastal town is now running dry. We cannot make rain but there should always be a “just in case” put in place. I am clueless about agriculture, the economy and politics but instead of ploughing money into events and new infrastructure why have we not transported hundreds of thousands of kilolitres of water from surrounding cities and released them into our dams?
Perhaps this is just a childlike utopian philosophy but when my kids and I were having this discussion the concepts they produced would entice me to have my own regime and electorate committee (Joshua for president).
Yes, the world has endured a cruel past and through perseverance, faith and solidarity we are still around today but we need to know whatever the world throws at us we are a team and are prepared for unrest. Unfortunately this is not as simple as our electricity crisis as this is the most important need in Maslow’s hierarchy as without water we will die.
A developing country which hosts one of the seven wonders of the world has recently received a junk status label in our economy, been having ongoing power outages for years and not made provisions for a drought even though the bells have been ringing for over a decade.
When you are not a parent it is hard nonetheless but when you are, it is incomprehensible. You no longer have only yourself to consider, your exit strategy or preparation. When you are a parent your main consideration is directed toward your young.
Their mental and physical wellbeing, survival, education and safety. I am terrified of civil unrest, communicable diseases and the list is endless. Why after all we have in our city we have to live like hamsters pooping into sawdust, bath in our recycled water, lining up for water and run on our wheel in circles in hope for a happy and peaceful destination?
This is not what I had in mind when we procreated. What about the pregnant women and the newborns? I often look at the ladies at the traffic lights with tears pooling in my eyes and think how unfair it is for her and her baby.
In 1994 a democratic government was elected to create a better life for all. It is 2018 and I see how raw reality still is. I think to myself if she and her baby can stand in the baking sun day after day and survive, we can. What’s the difference though? Our taps are still running. If they stop this poses problems that only the most destitute countries have witnessed.
I pray we are able to stand together in our fight against Day Zero. Maybe this is the word from above saying we are to unite despite our differences? There is no time for hatred! There is only time for consideration and being water savvy. Fellow Capetonians, be kind, stay faithful and be practical.