Interim measure treats the symptoms and not the primary causes of the water challenges.
Johannesburg and its surrounds, at the centre of the industrial heartland of South Africa, have been hit by severe water cuts. Water interruptions have been happening for years, but they have been scaled up dramatically in recent weeks. The deteriorating situation recently forced the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, to intervene. On 27 September, he announced a new initiative – “water shifting”.
Neither the national nor regional water authorities have managed to find solutions to the water crisis. Rather, the situation has deteriorated. In the last few months, some consumers, such as those living in the suburb of Brixton, west of central Johannesburg, have had dry taps for more than three weeks.
The reason for this is that the distribution of water requires pressure, which comes from a water source – a reservoir or water tower. When pressure is lost within the system, high-lying areas are usually affected first, as there is not enough pressure in the system to get the water to them.Pressure is lost when reservoirs reach critically low levels. This can happen as a result of leakages, burst pipes, above-average water consumption or power outages, which affect pump stations.
The result is that the water infrastructure, from water supply to treatment, storage, water resources and management, has fallen into disrepair. Also at play is a lack of planning and management of growing water demands due to increased population, migration and expansion of settlements. The poor management and overall lack of water and sanitation delivery and services is another factor.There have been frequent water cuts in the province over the past five years.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tim Spirit | No need to explain why Mama Joy and Botha are in FranceTim Spirit | No need to explain why Mama Joy and Botha are in France
Read more »
Hanging judge: Why is VAR not working?Hanging judge: Why is VAR not working?
Read more »
Why the new Mitsubishi Triton could be the thinking bakkie buyer’s double-cabWhy the new Mitsubishi Triton could be the thinking bakkie buyer’s double-cab
Read more »
Zlatan: Why I turned down move to ArsenalZlatan: Why I turned down move to Arsenal
Read more »
Why South Africa has not bid for Rugby World Cup hosting rightsAfter the disastrous and controversial 2023 bid, SA Rugby have been wary of putting themselves forward as potential Rugby World Cup hosts.
Read more »