While the government has committed to spending R156.3 billion on water and sanitation infrastructure for the next three years, experts said more needs to be done to ensure that the agricultural sector benefits from the money spent on water accessibility and quality.
As the globe commemorates World Water Day, Agri SA’s head of natural resources, Janse Rabie, said the government should be commended for significant strides in providing basic water supply to the majority of South Africans over the past 30 years.
However, on the issue of water quality, Rabie said there is not much to celebrate.
“It is well known that the water quality of nearly all our water sources in all our catchment management areas is deteriorating. Here the failures of local government in the management, upkeep and operation of wastewater treatment facilities are well documented and even acknowledged by the department of water and sanitation.
“Many of the government infrastructure projects are indeed delayed and it is clear that infrastructure for drinking water supply in our towns and cities is under severe pressure,” he said.
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Municipalities fail to uphold water quality
Rabie said despite significant amounts being allocated as part of the budget of the department of water and sanitation, a significant deficit remains.
“While the department of water and sanitation is responsible for bulk water supply infrastructure, water boards and service authorities (including municipalities) are under pressure and extremely concerning when it comes to the supply of treated water and the safe disposal of wastewater and sewage in our urban areas.
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“After years of delays, we are however seeing movement in certain areas, for example the raising of the Clanwilliam Dam wall in the Western Cape. However, infrastructure for the supply of water for food production purposes alone, are few and far between,” he said.
Rabie said they are extremely concerned about the failure of the government in addressing water quality.
“We appreciate the limitations of national government with respect to the failures of local municipalities concerning sewage and waste water treatment, which is the greatest source of water pollution and hope that proposed legislative reforms might address this.
“The department of water and sanitation has had some success with the prosecution of municipalities, but this too is not sustainable. What is needed is a coordinated national intervention to address this crucial issue,” he said.
Polluted rivers impact farming
Farmer and water activist Keith Middleton said the government has not done a great job in accessibility to water, especially in rural communities, and that has resulted in farming operations of small-scale farmers closing down.
“For example, the Vaal River is terribly polluted and this affects the farmers, crops and livestock. The Orange River is a little bit cleaner but what we are saying is there is a problem with contamination and pollution of our water across the country, not only in selected areas.”
Farmer Keith Middleton
“The sewage leaking into water systems is another concern and it is all failures of the local government. Government speaks about infrastructure but it is not visible for us as farmers who are struggling with water on the ground. All these billions, we do not know where they end,” he said.
WaterCAN executive manager, Dr Ferrial Adam, said when it comes to water quality, from a South African perspective World Water Day should be used to create awareness on the state the country is in concerning water.
“I do think there is an element of celebrations, especially when it comes to the number of people getting involved in raising awareness, looking out for their sanitation, cleaning rivers – and I think those people on days like this need to be applauded.
“When it comes to infrastructure, while we acknowledge the billions being set aside, we need to also deal with the basics such as water leaks. These are not mega projects, they need focus and political will, especially at local government.”
Adam said the government is not doing enough when it comes to pollution, including agricultural pollution, She said industries get away with a lot of pollution because there is no enforcement.
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