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11th October 2007

South Africa Dealing with the Past, Working for the Future

Jess Schulschenk | Katy Lannas

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Presentation Overview

Background on water issues in South Africa

Learning from the past & solutions for the future

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Annual Rainfall

Source: Water Institute of South Africa

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South Africa’s Rivers

Source: UNESCO

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Available Water Resources

Amount of sub-surface water available uncertain – limited due to geology

Only 1 natural lake

Wetlands – but lost more than 50%

Over abstraction e.g. Limpopo River sometimes doesn’t reach Kruger National Park

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Source: Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism

Lesotho

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Source: University of Texas Librarie

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Source: University of Texas Librarie

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Do Inter-basin Transfers meet demands?

High demands for industry & agriculture (BEE)

Growing urban populations

Building dams affects river output – affects water supply to other areas

Source: Zefa Visual Media

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Traditional African Value of WaterKhoisan & San lived in arid areas but moved with rainfall patterns

In African cultures river gods and rituals linked with water

Cultural & spiritual value –maintain society’s life blood

Source: National Science Foundation

Source: Geocities

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The Legacy of a Turbulent Past

Arrival of Dutch settlers –local people forced to be sedentary

“Riparian Principle” –1685 settlers given ownership of water supply flowing across their land

Source: South African history

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Previous Homeland AreasHome Areas Act forced black people to live in high numbers on marginal areas

Source: SA History Online

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Basic Service ProvisionIn 1994:35% of population had no access to basic water53% lacked proper sanitation

Today:6% of population have no

access to basic water30% lack proper sanitation

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Basic Service ProvisionIn 1994:35% of population had no access to basic water53% lacked proper sanitation

Today:6% of population have no

access to basic water30% lack proper sanitation

Source: State of Environment Report 2004

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Some, For All, Forever!

Water Services Act 1997 & National Water Act 1998 – free basic water

Recognises water is a scarce resource, unevenly distributed

Aims to manage what water there is as efficiently as possible

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Human needEnvironmental need The Reserve

Buffer for future use

“The Water Reserve” Principle

The Reserve = water always there to meet basic human & ecological needs

Surplus to beallocated to other uses

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Key Challenges & Priorities

Implementing the Water Act

Balancing environmental protection with water provision for development

Issues of co-management

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Uncertainties & Risks for the Future

Population Growth– Current Population: 48 million– Population Growth Rate: 0.48%

Urbanisation

Climate Change

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Population Growth & Water Demand

Source: Vanishing Waters

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Currently Approaching Water Scarcity

Source: International Water Management Institute

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Impacts of Climate Change

Temperature increases: 1°C to 4°C by 2050

Broad reduction of rainfall (5% to 10%)

Longer dry spells followed by intense storms.

Severe impacts on freshwater resources.

Source: National Geographic

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Recommendations & Proposals

Better use of existing water– Stricter demand management

techniques– Reallocation to most profitable

sectors – Monitoring water quality & bio-

remediation– Optimal usage of water

Investigating alternative water resources

Source: Working for Water

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Focus: Water Supply & Sanitation in Informal Settlements

Source: Hans Hendriksen

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Informal Settlements

Large concentrations of population in informal settlements

Home to 15% of population (7.2million) inhabitants

Inadequate water supply & sanitation Source:

Wikimedia

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Providing Direct Access to Water

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Inadequate Sanitation

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Pollution of Water Sources

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Water-borne diseases

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Urbanisation & Population Growth

Source: Google Earth

Source: Hans Hendriksen

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Social & Cultural Barriers to Change

Embracing new technologies

Sustainable Design

Waterless Composting Toilet

Source: EcoSan Online

“Play Pump”

Source: Good Magazine Online

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In Conclusion

Dealing with the Past

Working for the Future

Source: Good Magazine Online

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Hope for the Future

Luhlaza High School, Khayelitsha

11th October 2007

The End

Thank you for your time