South Africa has always been a country with problems of water scarcity.
Every time a government official speaks about water issues in South Africa, they mention that South Africa is a "water-scarce" country.
South Africa is a dry country.
South Africa is also struggling to manage water effectively.
Cities need drought plans and, as far as I know, Johannesburg does not have a focussed drought plan."
A 10-point plan to make Gauteng water-secure: Build cities water-wise (incorporate green infrastructure with current water infrastructure) Start to value our water catchment areas Ensure we look after our rivers and wetlands Look at innovative ideas around grey water use Improve and maintain our storm water management systems Become more water aware and water sensitive about how we build the Gauteng City-Region Decrease consumption in Gauteng Advance to the LHWP phase 2 as soon as possible to augment our water sources While taking the basic water needs of all our citizens into account, we have to make water more expensive and place a higher value on it in society Urgently deal with the backlog of maintaining water-treatment plants.
Phase 2 of the LHWP is scheduled to increase the current supply rate of 780 million cubic metres of water per year to 1 260 million cubic metres per year.
"We are a heavy polluter," says Maree.
"Sewage is a disaster," says Sheridan, pointing out that a lot of research is now going into making water treatment plants on a local level resilient and easy to operate and maintain.
You need to consult with local communities and establish their own needs, before you can start to search for a solution," says Sheridan.