The Water Institute of Southern Africa (Wisa) has called on citizens to stop playing the blame game and work together when it comes to the country’s water crisis.

Wisa chief executive Lester Goldman on Monday said discussions and frustrations about the challenges of climate change, infrastructure planning and maintenance, increasing demand and skills concerns needed to temporarily be put on hold.

“All these challenges need to be addressed in due time, but first, let’s get through the heatwaves and water shortages together as a nation united in using our water supply sparingly, and to the benefit of the greater good,” he said in a statement.

“The only way to resolve the current water crisis is to tackle the issue as a united team in supporting the authorities in any way possible.”

A number of provinces have been hit by water restrictions. Ekurhuleni metro in Gauteng was the latest to announce water restrictions at the weekend.

Goldman said it was a fact that water scarcity would remain a problem in the country due to natural climate and meteorological changes.

“It is of utmost importance that we change lifestyle habits in times of crisis to ensure our future generations inherit a country with a sustainable and safe water supply,” he said.

–News24wire (Genevieve Quintal)