The water crisis in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) has come to a head, warranting immediate and decisive action.
The Metro currently has approximately 246 days of water reserves, which clearly shows that it is under enormous pressure.
Although, technically speaking, it is not yet Day Zero, the Metro already finds itself in a full-scale state of emergency.
The levels of the main dams continue to drop due to persistent droughts and insufficient rainfall. These natural challenges are exacerbated by man-made problems such as poor maintenance, ageing infrastructure, unreliable pump stations and frequent technical failures.
Cable theft, pump breakdowns and other issues cause constant interruptions severely disrupting the supply of water to reservoirs and residential areas.
Another burning point is the extremely high level of water losses. More than 40% of all treated drinking water is lost due to burst pipes, uncontrolled leaks and delayed repairs.
In a time when every drop is of critical importance, such losses are simply unacceptable and point to serious management and maintenance failures.
Water theft further intensifies the pressure on the system.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) recently pointed out to the ANC Mayor that a water tanker was caught illegally drawing water from a fire hydrant. Despite the seriousness of the offence, the driver was only fined one thousand rand.
The Freedom Front Plus insisted that both the driver and the owner be criminally charged, but to date the ANC has not responded to this request.
Although the ANC- and EFF-led administration urges residents to conserve water – which the Freedom Front Plus supports – it is problematic that the responsibility rests almost entirely on residents.
The Metro is failing to address water theft, illegal connections and massive losses due to leaks.
The Freedom Front Plus emphasises that government also has a responsibility: it should urgently address the water losses and take stringent action against all those who steal or waste water.
Water scarcity is no longer a future threat – it is a present reality.
Without firm leadership, responsible management and decisive action against maladministration and theft, Nelson Mandela Bay faces a serious water shortage.
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