A new report from South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) warns that Cape Town and Gauteng are on the brink of a water crisis, driven by rapid population growth and aging infrastructure. The 2024 National State of Water Report highlights that while access to water infrastructure is relatively high, reliability of supply remains a major concern, especially in the Western Cape.
Cape Town, home to over 7.6 million residents, is projected to reach 8.5 million by 2050, yet dam storage and water infrastructure have not kept pace. The report reveals that 96.96% of households in the province have access to water infrastructure, but only 54.62% enjoy consistent water supply—a stark contrast that underscores the urgency of upgrades.
The city’s wastewater treatment plants are under severe strain, with many failing to meet demand. This has led to pollution in rivers and coastal waters, further complicating Cape Town’s water management efforts. Community action group WaterCAN has called for immediate investment in infrastructure to prevent further deterioration.
The report also notes that over 98% of South Africa’s available water resources are already allocated, leaving little room for expansion through traditional means. Without significant intervention, the country faces a 17% supply deficit by 2030.
In Cape Town, frustrations over service delivery have already sparked protests. Residents of the Gate 7 informal settlement near Wingfield Navy base recently blocked roads to demand access to basic services like water and electricity.
The DWS is urging municipalities to prioritize infrastructure upgrades and implement strategic water-saving measures. The National Water and Sanitation Master Plan is being positioned as a key tool to address these challenges, but delays in execution could trigger water restrictions and rationing in the near future.
(Source: IOL)