Water crisis dries up Slide the City

CONCERN about the drought has led to the cancellation of Slide the City – a giant water slide event.

The organisers said they had made the decision despite the fact that every effort had been made to ensure there was no water wastage.

Slide the City had been set to take place in the centre of the city on December 19 and 20. Organisers said they didn’t want to create the impression they were unaware of the severity of the drought.

The events, scheduled for various other cities in South Africa too, would have used non- drinkable water that would have been recycled after use.

Experts, however, have highlighted the benefits of the event.

“I would rather ask whether they are employing local people and contributing to the economy,” said Simon Bundy of SDP Ecological and Environmental Services, an organisation operating in the environmental sector since 1999.

The tourism industry, for example, would have benefited in the cities where Slide the City was to be hosted.

The volumes of water used would have been minuscule, Bundy added. “I don’t think it would make much of a difference if you use it for something else.”

Jannie de Villiers, head of Grain SA, agreed: “What will happen if you give 35 000 litres of water to a farmer? It won’t make a difference. Perhaps it will for a household but it will make no difference to the agricultural sector.”

The organisers said, however, they believed all South Africans should be focused on conserving water and Slide the City might detract from this message.

“We know many people will be disappointed at the postponement, given our ticket sales, but we believe this decision is the right way to go as we all do our bit for water conservation in South Africa.”

Ticket holders should keep their tickets until a new date is announced, or get a refund.

For a refund, go to a Shoprite, Checkers or House& Home Computicket stores if you’ve printed or collected your ticket. If you haven’t printed your ticket, contact the Computicket call centre at 0861 915 8000 to get a refund on your credit card.