An achievement that ran dry

ONE of the greatest achievements of our democratic government was the provision of basic services to the majority of South Africans.

Former president Nelson Mandela made countless trips around the country celebrating with communities the provision of basic services.

Water, in particular, transformed people’s lives. Whether it was a communal tap or a single tap outside a home, it meant no more long walks to fetch untreated water from the river.

Exactly how many South Africans had access to piped water in 1994 depends on who you ask. Estimates range anywhere from 34% to 53%.

About two years ago, the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan estimated that just under 90% of households had access to water. However, only 64% of households had safe and reliable access to water.

Today, we know from experience that while many South Africans have taps in their homes, the taps often run dry or the water is not drinkable. The main reason for this is that municipalities have not been able to operate and maintain water systems. Most do not even have a civil engineer in their employ.

The government is well aware of the fact that it will cost about a trillion rand to fix the problem. But it is money we just don’t have. What’s more, changing rainfall patterns and our inability to capture the rainwater that does fall means that in the coming years there won’t be enough water for everyone in our country.

It is a tragedy that the provision of water, one of our greatest achievements post-democracy, has now become one of our greatest failings.

To survive, those South Africans who can, should consider alternatives, whether it is a JoJo tank or alternative sources of power.

There is also a need for communities to come together. They need to speak out against wasteful expenditure and corruption. And, when possible, they need to act.

Recently, the residents of Weltevreden Park in Johannesburg paved the way for the future.

Tired of trying to get potholes in their suburb fixed, the Panorama Residents Association spent R10 000 and bought a ton of pre-mixed tar. Residents volunteered their time while a local company hired a machine and labour to compact the tar. In one day, they had fixed more than 100 potholes.

According to news reports, the association is funded by an annual fee of R250. The money goes towards clearing overgrowth near pavements and green spaces as well as fixing broken fences in public spaces. It also has volunteers involved in the local community policing forum to keep crime under control. It is the type of activism all communities need.