The state of natural water resources in the country is deteriorating at a concerning rate, say experts. If the deterioration continues unabated, agricultural production in parts of the country and the health of vulnerable communities are at risk.
This was a key message shared during a webinar in which environmental organisations outlined their success and challenges in fighting water pollution in Mzansi’s rivers.
The webinar hosted in commemoration of World Earth Day, celebrated on 22 April, saw civil society and environmental experts calling for accountability.
Co-founder of Gariep Watch, Fritz Bekker said thousands of jobs in the agricultural sector are at risk because of water pollution in the Vaal and Orange Rivers. According to him, the pollution is caused mainly by municipalities and they are unable to clean it.
“We have poor quality water and for that to change we need the political will to stop the pollutants and also teach people, which is a long drive but it’s doable,” he said.
The water and sanitation department is the custodian of water resources, and its 2022 Green Drop report showed that only 23 wastewater systems qualified for the prestigious Green Drop certification, compared with 60 in 2013.
The report is used as the baseline for the Water Services Improvement Programme, in which the department measures wastewater management and sanitation in the country.
Gariep Watch holds leaders accountable
Gariep Watch is an environmental monitoring group that started in 2017. Members include farmers, private citizens, and community-based organisations. Together, they manage the only chemical, bacteriological and biological water quality database on the Lower Vaal and Lower Orange Rivers.
“We were prompted by farmers who felt that their operations are under threat and following our investigations and testing of the water and tracing where the problem comes from, it led us to municipalities discharging raw sewage into our rivers,” Bekker said.
In the last eight months, they have opened criminal cases against municipal managers of eight municipalities, both in North West and the Northern Cape. The criminal charges were based on the National Water Act, negligence and risking the lives of ordinary people, Bekker explained.
“We have had 61 cases at Upington Hospital in the past because of diarrhoea caused by the same water that is being polluted by municipalities.
“These towns are where mainly agriculture is the main job creator and if not addressed immediately, billions of rands will be lost in the economy. The Vaal River, as an example, needs a lot of money to be fixed to where it was before,” he added.
We need each other
Meanwhile, environmental scientist, Janet Simpkins of Save Our Rivers and Seas from Sewage, said the only way to clean up the rivers and ensure a healthy environment is through public-private partnerships.
“Many farmers and communities in KwaZulu-Natal have gone through the worst. [First] it was Covid, droughts, riots; now it’s polluted water. We need to all work together.
“In most parts of KwaZulu-Natal sewage continue flowing on the streets but people do not have water. And where does that sewage flood to? To the rivers. It’s a concern and a health risk at the same time, we need to do more,” she said.
Du Preez said the government needed to invest in infrastructure if the country intends to see a less polluted environment.
Immediate action needed
Environmental justice activist Dr Ferrial Adam said the only way to celebrate World Earth Day is to act now.
“We are told that in 2030 South Africa will run out of water, this was a recent report from the United Nations water summit. We need to do something now, collaborate as civil organisations and fight for our planet,” she added.
Adam said while climate change is here, there is little urgency on ensuring that the natural resources that are available, are treasured, and remain sustainable for the long term.
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