SA rethinks water use to secure the resource and improve sanitation

THE Department of Water and Sanitation believes a sustainable sanitation future lies in the country’s ability to adapt to new technologies in an era where water scarcity takes a firm hold.

“We live in a time where there is not enough water. We are flushing toilets with clean water at a time when climate change has pushed us into a space where we have no assurance of water supply and security for the future,” said Leonardo Manus, the chief director of Infrastructure Development at the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Manus made the comments at a webinar that reflected on the challenges at both a national and municipal level, and to share insights into the innovation ecosystem.

Manus said that more than 5 000 mega litres of water is flushed away daily and that this is done in a country where approximately 23% of households do not have access to services that are above RDP level.

“We sit with a situation where people don’t have services that are acceptable and there are often water supply interruptions. A flushing toilet was created at a time when there was enough water, but we are now moving into a time where we do not have enough water, and the price we pay for the convenience of flushing a toilet is an expensive one that our future generations might not afford.”

Manus said that, according to statistics, water supply assurance is currently at 65%, which is below the 98% target the country needs to be at to ensure people have water supply for all of their needs.