Climate change is reported to be the leading cause of water scarcity. According to ESI Africa, "South Africa is approaching physical water scarcity in 2025 where they are expected to experience a water deficit of 17 percent by 2030, and climate change will worsen the situation." President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that syndicates who target water supply and worsen the already existing challenges will be dealt with.

DIGNITY FOR ALL

Delivering his keynote address in Midrand at the water Indaba, Ramaphosa emphasised that water is a necessity for all and should not be misused. The country is currently grappling with water challenges. Blames on leakages caused by failing infrastructure. Ramaphosa said this has led criminals to illegally sell water to those who are desperate and have no means to get it elsewhere. "Beyond being a strategic national asset and natural resource, and a key enabler to economic growth and the supporter of life, the provision of water is about restoring and affirming the dignity of all," said Ramaphosa. "The people of South Africa look to this Water and Sanitation Indaba with hope and for a clear strategy and plan on how to uphold their dignity through the provision of water and sanitation services that are their basic right."

TEAMWORK

Ramaphosa added that resolving the country's water and sanitation challenges necessitates deepened collaboration between all stakeholders in the water resources management ecosystem. "As part of the structural reform process in the water sector, we have been able to significantly reduce the turnaround time for the issuing of water use licenses." Currently, 75 percent of applications are processed within 90 days. "An additional 110 technical and scientific staff have been hired to support further process improvements," Ramaphosa concluded.