Hosting the World Cup means hosting more tourists and meeting an increased need for water. In Port Elizabeth and the Nelson Mandela Bay, more water is being used while less water is available because of the current drought, the network’s damaged pipes and related leaks.
Nelson Mandela Metropole Water Resources and Water Reclamation Works
“Water-stressed area”. Such signs are posted all over the Port Elizabeth area, reminding inhabitants and visitors that they should not waste a single drop of such a scarce resource. As Port Elizabeth decided to host 8 matches during the World Cup, did that result in a particular stress on the city’s water resources?
According to the local authorities, it hasn’t. During the 2010 World Cup, water supply has remained the same as the visitors and the people of Nelson Mandela Bay had to make use of available water supply. “International visitors were properly covered – they were not even aware of the crisis. The only ones who did realise there was a difference where the people in the metro because they had to pay more for their water supply and use less water”, says a member of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Water Department.
Water in short supply
In March 2010, Nelson Mandela bay was declared a drought area because the water volume had increased and there was no adequate supply of water. Before, 40% volume of water was used. Now more than 50% volume has been used.
According to Nelson Mandela Metropole Water Resources and Water reclamation Works report, water is supplied to about 1.3 million people in Nelson Mandela Bay. The Nelson Mandela bay region comprises of Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch. Due to the drought people living in the region are restricted to use 500 litres of water in a day.
Mr Laure Pieterse, Assistant Director of Research and planning under the Water and Sanitation Directorate of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, explains that “the department has applied for a grant of R1.6 billion rands which would be used to relieve the region from drought. However, the money has not been granted. I hope that it doesn’t take long before the money is granted because, the water available for usage will only last the region for 365 days.”
Upgrading existing facilities, switching to desalination
There have been several criticisms with regards to the drought. The department has been asked why they haven’t made use of the Gariep dam, which is overflowing with water. According to Mr Laure, “the department has been making use of the 95 mega litres of water from the Gariep dam since 1990 and they want to upgrade it to 180 mega litres. This project will cost about R700 million rands to complete.”
Another plan is the Swartkops desalination plant which involves removing soluble salts from sea water to render it suitable for drinking, irrigation or industrial use. This project is estimated to cost about R400 million rands. The capacity of drinking water from this project would be 20 mega litres when completed.
Furthermore the department is doing a lot of research with regards to getting water from the ground like boreholes. The three projects would help to increase the total amount of water available for use in the region.
Leaks, a major issue
According to Laure Pieterse, “about 22 mega litres of water is lost through leaks everyday in the Nelson Mandela Bay. If these leaks don’t stop, it means the region would have less than 365 days water left”. Laure says the main problem area is “Motherwell” because about 20 mega litres of water is lost everyday due to leaks and damaged water pipes in their schools.
The people living in the Nelson Mandela Bay area should therefore help by fixing damaged pipes and reporting leaks immediately to the Water and Sanitation Department which dedicated a special toll free number – 041 506 2258. Saving water often means not wasting it.
The news on Port Elizabeth water shortage is enlightening. It calls for quick response from South African Government. A city with a lot of government investments, a metropolitan University, beautiful tourist attractions and that played host to FIFA 2010 deserve quick help from the government on this type of problem.
Moreover, drought should be avoided to save many lives. South African Government is one of the most reliable in Africa. I believe that prompt action will be taken on the problem of water shortage very soon.