Pushing wheelbarrows filled with water containers is now a morning ritual and necessity for some South Africans amid a water crisis caused by power shortages

In a startling turn of events, South Africa’s affluent neighborhoods are facing a dire water shortage as taps run dry. The usually peaceful streets near Pretoria, the country’s capital, are now echoing with the sounds of drilling as residents take matters into their own hands.

Private boreholes, like the one currently being excavated in Garsfontein, have become a lifeline for those who can afford them. Frustrated homeowners are tired of the uncertainty surrounding their water supply. “I am tired of not knowing when we will have water and when we won’t,” says one exasperated resident. “Having a borehole means we won’t have to depend on the government so much. It’s what’s best for my family.”

The water scarcity crisis can be traced back to the heavy reliance on electricity for pumping water to the vast high plain on which Johannesburg and Pretoria are situated. South Africa has been grappling with severe electricity shortages, leading to regular and prolonged blackouts. Unfortunately, these power outages have had a cascading effect on the water supply.

Sipho Mosai, the head of state-owned Rand Water, one of the country’s primary water providers, explains, “All of our stations require electricity. We need power to pump water wherever it is needed. Electricity is truly the lifeline of our operations, and its unavailability has become a significant problem.”


A South African in the township of Kwanobuhle in South Africa

For many residents, the situation has become unbearable. Zizi Dlanga, a 35-year-old private wealth manager residing in an upscale Johannesburg suburb, shares her frustrations. “Some days I don’t have access to both water and electricity, and this can persist for days at a time. It makes daily life insufferable,” she reveals. Zizi now resorts to stocking up on water whenever it is available and relies on gym facilities for a proper shower.

The ongoing water crisis has highlighted the need for alternative water sources, such as boreholes, which provide a level of independence from the government-controlled supply. While affluent communities have the means to invest in such solutions, the majority of South Africans are left grappling with the unrelenting water scarcity, further exacerbating the challenges of everyday life.

The South African government must urgently address the electricity issues that are crippling the water supply. Failure to do so will only perpetuate the suffering of millions who are forced to live without access to this fundamental resource.

Source: https://techloging.com/2023/06/19/power-shortages-lead-to-water-crisis-in-south-africa/