Water Shifting: Navigating a Looming Crisis

In the heart of Qwaqwa, water is becoming an increasingly scarce commodity. The two primary reservoirs of the region are dwindling, with water levels plummeting below 70%. Specifically, Fika-Patso Dam hovers at 66.3%, while Metsimatsho Dam stands at 69.4%. For a community that depends on these vital water sources, alarm bells are ringing.

Statewide Dam Overview

Contrasting with Qwaqwa’s worrying situation, the Department of Water and Sanitation’s recent data reveals a brighter picture for the Free State. As of early October, a commendable 18 of its dams boasted water levels exceeding 90%. However, even with this wider provincial positivity, the overall storage level shows a dip from 98.4% last year to 91.5% this year. Factors? Experts point to a mix of climate change and variable rainfall patterns.

Maluti-A-Phofung’s Strategy

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality unveiled a three-tiered plan on 2nd October:

• Short-Term: Redirecting water from the Badenhorst farm dam into the Wilge River.
• Medium-Term: Enhancing the siphon system linked to the Sterkfontein Water Treatment Works. This initiative aims to supply the Nuwejaarspruit without tapping into Sterkfontein Dam’s reserves.
• Long-Term: Overhauling the Nuwejaarspruit Pump Station.

Qwaqwa’s Thirsty Nights

While these strategies sound promising, they don’t immediately quench the thirst of Qwaqwa’s residents. Many are still reliant on water tankers operated by private entities. However, payment disputes with these providers recently jeopardized this essential service. Delays in compensating 37 contracted companies led to a service halt, leaving residents high and dry for over seven months.

Furthermore, some locals noted an inconsistent water supply, often available only during nocturnal hours.

Digging Deeper

The water scarcity isn’t merely a surface-level issue. Beneath lies a web of challenges: inadequate infrastructure, political turmoil, administrative mismanagement, service delivery deficits, and rife corruption. Financial distress adds another layer, with the region grappling with a staggering debt exceeding R7.18 billion owed to Eskom for bulk power supply.

“The real problems under­lying the water crisis range from… high levels of corruption, and poor financial management.”

A Cascade of Concerns

With Eskom’s extended load shedding and the municipality’s mounting dues, Qwaqwa’s woes extend beyond just water. As the community steers through these turbulent times, effective, transparent solutions are more critical than ever.