Water is life and a basic human right

THIRTY years since the onset of democracy and one of the most pressing issues facing communities is water provision - or the lack thereof.

Water is life and its scarcity unfortunately impacts the most impoverished communities.

Scientists, the United Nations and world governments have been sounding the alarm about water-related conflict for years.

In 2012, the US director of national intelligence said the risk of conflict would grow as water demand is set to outstrip sustainable current supplies by 40 per cent by 2030.

Communities cannot survive without access to water. This publication has long highlighted the plight of vulnerable communities who are facing unimaginable water shortages.

It is, therefore, no surprise that irate ratepayers have resorted to protest action countrywide.

Last week, furious Macekane residents blockaded the R34 outside Empangeni, demanding water and clarity as to when a bulk water scheme will be completed.

Residents claimed they were struggling to get water even through tankers. The water tankers for Ward 31 had reportedly been reduced from four to one, which is responsible for filling 59 communal tanks.

It is mind-boggling that postdemocracy, tankers are still being used for water provision instead of more long-term infrastructure solutions.

The question remains – does the chronic water problem persist so certain people can benefit from lucrative water tanker tenders, or is water supply to these areas genuinely hindered by vandalism to infrastructure?

The prolonged water supply problems in Macekane come as the country commemorates National Water Week from 21 to 27 March, with the theme being ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’, encouraging communities to use water as a tool for peace when co-operating over this precious shared resource.

South Africans are encouraged to continue using water sparingly and change the way they use, consume and manage water in their respective lives.

The month of March is also Human Rights Month and the Constitution guarantees the right of everyone to have access to sufficient water.

With South Africa being a water-scarce country, it is crucial for government to maintain good standards on the quality of both drinking and sewage water, which ultimately ends up in our rivers and dams.

Water has no substitution, because it is a critical life source and must be protected at all costs. Time is running out and we must act now.