Future of Water in South Africa

Kathryn Lannas and Jess Schulschenk address water management in South Africa by taking a look back at the past while also offering a glimpse ahead into the future. South Africa has two large rivers and only one natural lake. Wetlands have been extensively drained for, among other reasons, sugar cane production. Rain falls mainly in the east. Raw material and industries are located in the north, farming in the south. 75% of water is used for irrigation; grapes, for example, are cultivated for export. The original population was mainly nomads. For immigrants, land ownership was related to water rights. Today, 6% (1994: 35%) of the population do not have access to water services, and 30% (1994: 65%) lack access to waste water systems. According to the law, drinking water supply is guaranteed; however, water is scarce and unequally distributed. The population of 48 million is only growing slowly, but urbanization and climate change are posing challenges. By the year 2050, the temperature will have risen by 1 to 4º C and rainfall will have decreased by 5 to 10%. The speakers propose a better use of available water: management and allocation are to be improved. Alternative resources, such as desalination, have to be considered. The focus has to be placed on “informal settlements” where more than 7.2 million people live. Supplies of drinking water and waste water management have to be established for them. They suffer from diseases, such as cholera and malaria. A sustainable design like “PlayPumps” and new technologies like waterless composting toilets open up new possibilities. Individual aspects of the challenges and solutions are discussed in workshops. Amongst other things, the following was outlined: sociological considerations must not be underestimated. Population groups that are traditionally working in food production often have no choice and react under pressure as they often depend on public contributions. The illusion of self-sufficiency also continues in developing countries: it’s better to produce all one’s goods under any conditions rather than import goods and services. Local embedding and knowledge are as important as theoretical and political thinking.