United we stand for our precious water

All South Africans must carry responsibility for our water woes, writes

Thabang Molai

Clem Sunter, one of SA’s favourite speakers, outlined his view on the recent water situation in the Western Cape. He gave three scenarios that can be easily applied to the rest of the country regarding how we manage our water resources.

The first scenario is if we have excessive rains and do not have to worry about water anymore.

The chances of this happening are slim since weather experts have recently warned that the El Nino effect is likely to bring with it drought conditions.

The second scenario is whereby people change their attitude and behaviour towards water drastically.

The city target for collective water use will be achieved as everyone will take responsibility. With such a scenario, citizens will actively participate in recycling of water. Households, businesses and others will convert water to grey water for re-use.

Authorities will intervene and take drastic steps, such as the commissioning of mobile desalination plants.

An effective partnership between large scale water users, government, companies, academics and non-governmental organisations will yield positive results.

The third scenario is hard to contemplate and involves lack of planning, lack of co-operation from everyone and lack of implementation of the necessary actions.

This is characterised by a general lack of awareness about the impending challenge.

The way I see it is that the second scenario is a win-win situation whereby all South Africans carry responsibility and behave accordingly to triumph over adversity.

Despite rainfall, or the lack thereof, we will be better prepared and able to face any challenge.

We can change our behaviour and attitude towards water.