South Africans Say Criminal Gangs Are Exploiting the Water Crisis
Residents of Johannesburg are raising alarm bells, claiming that criminal gangs are exploiting the water crisis affecting their communities. With parts of the city experiencing prolonged water shortages, frustrations are mounting.
Widespread Water Shortages in Johannesburg
– Protest in Greenside: A diverse group of protesters in Greenside, Johannesburg, gathered recently, chanting, We want water! Outrage is palpable as residents have faced a month or more without mains water.
– Colin Regesky, a Green Hill resident, expressed grave concerns: Our pipes have been bone dry. It’s not healthy, and according to our constitution, we have the right to access water.
– Jenny Gillies, a long-time Melville resident, voiced her dismay: It’s disgraceful. We’re reduced to begging for water.
The Impact of Previous Crises
From 2022 to early 2024, Johannesburg endured significant electricity shortages managed through rigorous load shedding, with blackouts lasting up to eight hours daily. These power shortages were attributed to decades of underinvestment in aging infrastructure. However, water shortages have surged to the forefront, as residents fixate on the critical need for clean water to maintain health.
Severe Challenges in Hammanskraal
Over 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Johannesburg, Hammanskraal is in dire straits. Local pastor Tshepo Mahlaule highlighted, There’s no water here. We’ve been without it for two months. Our kids need to be clean, their uniforms need washing.
– Residents have faced intermittent access to clean water for over a decade.
– The local municipality has turned to water tankers for supply delivery.
Allegations Against Water Mafias
The opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, has accused criminal syndicates—dubbed water mafias—of monopolizing the water tanker services. However, no concrete evidence has surfaced to substantiate these claims.
Dr. Ferrial Adam, executive director of Watercan, clarified, Water mafias secure tenders for municipal work but often lack the qualifications. They may damage infrastructure to prolong their contracts or charge excessive fees for water delivery.
A Community Under Siege
Eric Sebotsane, a 62-year-old Hammanskraal resident, confirmed exploitative practices: Some truck drivers sell the water they should be delivering for free. If you don’t have money, you can’t get water.
In response to rising concerns, President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged law enforcement to tackle gangs that hijack municipal services.
The Origins of Water Mafias
Dr. Adam noted that water mafias initially emerged in areas like KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape, where rural communities struggle due to inadequate infrastructure, exacerbated by climate change and frequent natural disasters.
Fear and Compliance in Affected Communities
Fear permeates these communities, with residents reluctant to speak out against illegal activities for fear of losing access to water. Dr. Adam emphasized the intertwined nature of these crises, stating a lack of investment in water infrastructure only magnifies the problem.
Potential Solutions
Cilliers Brink, a former mayor of Tshwane, proposed that the municipality consider operating its own tankers to reduce dependence on contractors. While acknowledging potential abuse, he believes it could lessen the incentive for corrupt practices and save money.
However, Dr. Adam cautioned that relying on water tankers is not a sustainable solution: In smaller towns, borehole water may offer better alternatives.
Daily Struggles for Water Access
In Hammanskraal, some residents resort to filling containers at public taps while water tankers operate nearby. For local workers washing cars, every load requires a 2-kilometer trek, illustrating the lengths residents go to for access to water.
Government Response
The Tshwane local authority has yet to provide a response regarding their action plan for the crisis. In a recent address, President Ramaphosa announced the formation of a National Water Crisis Committee, emphasizing a multifaceted approach to tackle the ongoing dilemma.
For residents grappling daily with water shortages, relief cannot come soon enough. The actions promised by the government may soon determine the future of water access in South Africa.