South Africa’s water availability on the edge

Various factors can lead to a rapid decline in South Africa’s water availability, according to Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, who reiterated the need to diversify the water resource mix to ensure water security. Economic growth, population growth, urbanisation, inefficient water use, degradation of wetlands and the impact of climate change, as well as the financial challenges faced by municipalities, which owe R19-billion to water boards, are among the ongoing risks to the sustainability of the water sector.