We can have as much Lesotho water as we like, but we will run dry unless Joburg Water and Rand Water's failings are addressed… and soon.
We can have as much Lesotho water as we like, but we will run dry unless Joburg Water and Rand Water's failings are addressed… and soon.In 1995, then water affairs minister Kader Asmal stood on the Vaal Dam wall, gazing out at what was, effectively, a large puddle because the dam was at one of its lowest levels since it was built in 1938.
Asmal was passionate about water, despite it not being the sexiest Cabinet portfolio and he banged the drum of water conservation because he realised that water conservation, and not huge dam projects, was the way South Africa would secure its water future.There have been some who are panicking about the imminent six-month shutdown of the pipeline from the Lesotho project, fearing it will exacerbate water supply challenges in Gauteng.
Experts we cite today, as well as the government, point out that major supply dams are still showing comfortably high water levels – the Vaal Dam is currently just over 67% full .And no-one is challenging the reality that the maintenance needs to be carried out if the whole system is to function properly .
The problem that residents of Gauteng face is that our water utilities – Rand Water and Joburg Water – have neglected to maintain or expand water infrastructure. We can have as much Lesotho water as we like, but we will run dry unless those failings are addressed… and soon.SA has over 110 000 rape kits, but here’s why you won’t find them at every police station
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