South Africa Water Infrastructure Crisis

ongoing crisis

The article discusses the ongoing water infrastructure crisis in South Africa characterized by dry taps, leaking and bursting pipes, and failing infrastructure leading to localized water crises. The crisis is exacerbated by deliberate sabotage, corruption, vandalism, and systemic neglect, including the activities of 'water mafias' who damage infrastructure to resell water at inflated prices. The article highlights the decline in water access, high water losses due to leaks and illegal connections, and the health and economic impacts of the crisis. It also outlines recommendations for securing infrastructure, ring-fencing revenue, building municipal capacity, protecting whistleblowers, and treating sabotage as organized crime.