In the words of Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina, South Africa is a water-scarce country. We are facing many challenges in this sector and the question people ask is will we have water by 2030?”
A frightening question, a sobering one, but a necessary one. Pemmy assures that the department is acting responsibly and proactively in this regard. The reason we often hear 2030 as the year we are looking toward is that, “2030 is the year that aligns with our SDG 6 goals, and through our mega projects, our intervention in urban head in rural areas, we’re going to ensure that, as we raise dams, as we build new dams, that we not only meet our goals but go beyond 2030.”
Pemmy Majodina, the new Minister of Water and Sanitation
Part of this foundation is an intervention in municipalities that need assistance. “When we intervene we intervene to support. This is water, and ensuring the municipalities are compliant and efficient helps us meet our goals and retain water security,” says Pemmy, this also means forcing payment to waterboards.
Climate change
Climate resilience is also a factor and Pemmy says that “ Climate change and extreme weather are something that South Africa must reckon with in order to ensure water and sanitation is available in 2030 and beyond.” A look into the budget for the department showcases the projects and maintenance that will be undertaken to ensure that the country is developing towards being more water-secure but Pemmy also says we need to look inwards because as a country we are using above the per capita amount of water and this needs to be addressed in meeting the country’s SDG goals.
South Africa is a water-scarce country which necessitates being proactive.
