MIKE MULLER: Learn from others’ mistakes to keep Gauteng’s taps flowing

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The first lesson is that failure to take water management seriously has devastating human and economic impacts

Water at the communal tap along Landon road in Alex, Johannesburg. File photo: SYDNEY SESHIBEDI

While it’s a good start, full dams do not necessarily translate into water in the taps, as many Gauteng residents discovered during a hot, dry October. Those dams are full thanks to the continuingwet weather pattern, now in its third season. Provided that the climate does not swing straight to a dryThat makes it a good time to step back and review what other water supply surprises lie ahead for Gauteng, its surrounding provinces and the rest of SA.

These events show that while a long-term focus is needed on the commanding heights from which the water resources flow, attention to the management of local infrastructure is just as important.For Gauteng, Cape Town’s “Day Zero” experience was salutary. Cape Town’s political leadership decided to delay investment in new bulk supplies and rely on better management of water use to meet their needs.

Better management of local drainage infrastructure is also critical. In eThekwini, failure to maintain infrastructure for stormwater drainage was aggravated by unplanned urban expansion. Drains and culverts blocked by rubbish caused floodwaters to overflow into built-up areas. The absence of stormwater drainage in poorer areas around the city or adequate protection of new developments closer to the coast created conditions for disaster. Significant parts of Gauteng face similar risks.

 

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