Water Crisis in Johannesburg: A Threat to ANC’s Popularity
Photo: Pixabay. The lake at the end of the dam, South Africa.
Basic Utilities Breakdown in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa, a city that advertises itself as “a world-class African city,” is facing a major crisis. The breakdown in basic utilities has left many of its 5.5 million residents without access to clean water and electricity. Water taps frequently run dry, and electrical power often goes out for hours.
Water Shortages and Conservation Efforts
About half of the city’s population has either been without water altogether or suffering water shortages for weeks. With a national election set for May, South Africa’s governing party, the African National Congress (ANC), could be punished for its failure to provide basic services. Although there is officially no drought, it is thought that about 40% of drinkable water is lost through leaky pipes, and there are worries that the reservoirs that serve the city will soon fall below a critical level.
Municipal Trucks and Bottled Water
Municipal trucks deliver water, but for those who cannot access this service, buying water in bottles is the only alternative. A five-liter (1.3-gallon) bottle of water sells for 25 rand ($1.30), making it an expensive exercise for most people in a country where over 32% of the population is unemployed. Officials are pleading with residents to conserve what water they can find, and World Water Day on Friday served as a reminder of the wider need to conserve.
Soweto and the ANC’s Popularity
Soweto, once home to anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, has always been a stronghold of the ANC. However, some citizens say they will not be voting for the party in the coming elections. “If someone votes for ANC now, that person will be out of her mind or his mind because it’s failing us,” said one woman interviewed by NPR. Recent polls have shown the ANC getting below 50% of the vote in elections on May 29, a first since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Global Water Problems
Water problems are becoming a global issue, with the Panama Canal short of water, which is slowing shipping, and Britain’s largest water utility company close to bankruptcy and discharging raw sewerage into many rivers, including the Thames, the large river that flows past the Houses of Parliament in London.
Conclusion
The water crisis in Johannesburg is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The breakdown in basic utilities has left many residents without access to clean water and electricity, and the ANC’s failure to provide these services could have significant implications for its popularity. As the national election approaches, it is essential that the government takes concrete steps to address this crisis and ensure that all citizens have access to basic services.
FAQs
Q: What is the cause of the water crisis in Johannesburg?
A: The breakdown in basic utilities is primarily due to leaky pipes and a lack of investment in infrastructure.
Q: How has the ANC responded to the crisis?
A: The ANC has pledged to address the issue, but critics argue that it has failed to provide adequate solutions.
Q: What is the impact of the water crisis on the economy?
A: The water crisis is having a significant impact on the economy, with many businesses struggling to operate due to the lack of access to clean water.
Q: What can be done to address the crisis?
A: The government needs to invest in infrastructure, fix leaky pipes, and provide alternative sources of water to ensure that all citizens have access to basic services.