Toxic rivers killing SA

GOVT CAN’T RESOLVE IT

Dam. “Outlets like Woolies no longer source leafy greens,” says Turton.

The radical transformation of the Vaal River into the Cloaca Maxima (greatest sewer) by discharging raw sewage adds momentum. This undermines tourism since freshwater fishing, water-skiing, rafting and kayaking in polluted waters is unpleasant; and threatens the livelihoods of all downstream from the Vaal Dam.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is damaging the economy:

It neglected to ensure in-time bulk water supply to Cape Town. These restrictions had negative impacts on small enterprises in particular. The shenanigans of then-minister Nomvula Mokonyane also delayed the raising of the Clanwilliam Dam for years. These delays deprived vegetable, fruit and grape producers along the Olifants River from planned expansion.

DWS is also responsible for monitoring the quality of treated wastewater before releasing it into rivers. It is in this context that the Blue Drop and Green Drop reports are crucial. Yet the updated reports weren’t released. The 2014 reports, which weren’t released until 2017, recorded a 55% decline in the number of water supply systems receiving Blue Drop status. Despite this, deputy director-general Anil Singh said there was no reason for alarm: “The drinking water we have in SA is among the best in the world.”

Based on what DWS acknowledges in its draft Master Plan, it is clear “Brown Drop” is more accurate than Green Drop status.

Johannes Wessels is director of the Enterprise Observatory of SA (EOSA). This article was published with permission from EOSA.