Since May 23, 2023, a cholera outbreak in the small South African village of Hammanskraal has claimed the lives of 23 locals. The first theory was that the outbreak was caused by poor water quality, and earlier studies had shown that the town’s water was unsafe to drink. But this problem is a sign of a larger one that exists throughout the nation. The Department of Water and Sanitation has released papers that underscore the declining quality of water services across the country. The findings stress the necessity of better governance, oversight, documentation, and infrastructure funding. Alarming figures are reported in the studies, including a notable drop in water quality and an increase in water losses as a result of leaks.
The government recognizes that greater infrastructure investment, departmental and municipal collaboration, and improved governance are urgently needed to address these issues. Ensuring that everyone in South Africa has access to clean water and identifying long-term solutions requires cooperation and openness amongst many parties. Furthermore, sufficient investment in water infrastructure is necessary for better healthcare and disease prevention, and this can only be achieved with a stronger economy.
Since May 23, 2023, the people of Hammanskraal, a small community north of Tshwane, South Africa, have been dealing with the deaths of 23 residents due to cholera. The search for the source is still ongoing. Authorities and locals initially believed that the outbreak was caused by low-quality water. 163 people with vomiting and diarrhea were admitted to the Jubilee Hospital in a single week in May.
The South African Human Rights Commission validated in 2019 what locals previously knew. The water was unsafe for human consumption, according to samples taken by the commission from Temba Water Treatment Works, Kekana Primary School, Refentse Clinic, and Hammanskraal Secondary School.
Hammanskraal serves as an example of a deeper and more pervasive issue in the nation. Recent reports from the Department of Water and Sanitation shed light on the issue. An update on the state of wastewater treatment, water losses, and water treatment is provided by these watch reports. The country’s declining water services are analyzed in an interim manner in the Blue Drop, Green Drop, and No Drop Watch Reports.
These most recent assessments, which highlight South Africa’s ability to manage its water resources, are very welcome. In 2008, the reporting program was launched. Since 2014, the reports have not been released.
But according to recent Drop Water Reports, the Department of Water and Sanitation may be developing new leadership. Additionally, the department seems to be in a better position than previously to support municipalities while also demanding greater accountability from them, based on the wording used in the introduction.
The state of treatment facilities and water infrastructure is described in great detail in each of the three studies. They determine what needs to be maintained or fixed and how much it will cost. There has never been intent this apparent.
Recognizing how certain communities are succeeding under trying conditions is also important. An excellent illustration is the Linton water treatment facility in the municipality of Nelson Mandela Bay. Despite a protracted drought that began in 2015, the city and surrounding area have maintained exceptional water quality standards.
The reports serve as the basis for the initial round of actions and mitigating strategies. In general, they point out the need for enhanced system development, monitoring, and reporting, as well as greater governance.
