Forums need government’s involvement to end drought
Collective drought planning is imperative.
RED alerts that Zululand will soon be firmly in the grip of the ever-progressing drought, have pressed prominent industry leaders to rally for collective solutions.
Discussions have been led through a multitude of forums, including the uMhlathuze Disaster Management Advisory Forum, Mhlathuze Catchment Management Forum, Mhlathuze Effluent Pipeline Forum and the Zululand Water and Waste Forum.
But these meetings will simply not generate active change without the consistent involvement of local and provincial water service authorities, such as the City of uMhlathuze Municipality, uThungulu District Municipality and Department of Water and Sanitation, said attendees at the Water and Waste Forum on Tuesday.
‘It simply does not help if one group has the funding and another the project,’ said businessman Frans van der Walt.
‘All parties, including our water authorities, must work together to find a collective solution to this issue.
‘To my mind at least 35% water could be saved if authorities address leaks, unauthorised connections and wastage.
‘The need to save water must also be emphasised to communities.’
Zululand Business Institute Vice-President Alen Viljoen also asserted communication is key between all parties.
‘While the different water meetings cater for different groups with different needs, I do agree that where strategy and actions are discussed, there should be coordination for better efficiency.
‘We have to understand that the water supply authorities need to plan and develop strategies at different levels than business.
‘The impact and buy-in from industry, business and private consumers should then be a coordinated effort by municipalities, industry and commerce and consumers.’
