AFRICAN BUZZ •
Access to water and sanitation is a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal .
Large metros , like Johannesburg , have recently seen water shedding and restrictions impact homes and business . In addition , South Africa is facing a potential dry season due to the El Nino weather pattern and ageing infrastructure . The country is already listed as a water-scarce region and recent reports indicate that the country may face a pending water crisis .
“ Water is life , but water also fuels industry and concomitant economic growth ,” said Curror , adding that a water crisis would be exponentially more damaging to the country than load-shedding . “ Our mine operates in one of the country ’ s most arid regions , the Northern Cape desert area , and we have firsthand experience of the impact of its scarcity , both for communities , food security and industry alike .”
Curror said that positive intervention from companies in their geographic places of business could make a significant difference . Where the quantum might be substantial , several companies could partner and , in turn , work with local authorities , stakeholders and other role players to craft and implement sustainable solutions . He said , “ Together , key infrastructure development and community development projects that improve the lives and livelihoods of communities can be identified and proactively hedged against any challenge .”
And it is possible , Curror enthused . UMK worked with labour , community and local authorities to develop two water augmentation projects recently that included infrastructure development such as a pump station , an outlet pipeline , reticulation facilities , chlorination facilities , storage tanks and fenced-off boreholes that now deliver a regular supply of clean , drinkable water at the Pompong and Ga- Sehunelo plants in the Joe Morolong Municipal area . The project had a collective price tag of R15-million .
“ Key socio-economic outcomes – beyond the supply of drinking water – included added food security and the potential to develop entrepreneurs in the area . Water can make all of this possible , and the lack thereof can devastate cities , towns and communities ,” said Curror .
While these projects were initiated to provide water to previously underserved areas , Curror said that the success and quick turnaround of the initiative evidences that public and private partnerships that aim to preserve a critical resource , like water , can be effective . “ It holds the potential to turn challenging situations around while also providing life-giving services to communities who have not yet benefitted from national development ,” he said .
“ It is time that private enterprises take up the challenge and start at home , on their doorsteps , to improve the lives of the communities they serve and , simultaneously , contribute positively to the water security of everyone . We do not want to end up with a major national water crisis when we could have all worked together to prevent it ,” said Curror . •
Source : Supplied by UMK , edited by Sharyn Macnamara
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