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Systems mapping of the Swartkops sustainability challenges Innovative water infrastructure management to increase water security for people, economy and agriculture in Southern Africa (ECWASA)
ON Odume, CF Nnadozie, FC Akamagwuna and C Murata
April 2022 – March 2023
Sponsor: German Federal Ministry of Research and Education via Research Institute for Water Management and Climate Future at RWTH Aachen University
South Africa is prone to water scarcity and frequent droughts . The amount, duration and intensity of droughts has increased over the past decade . Although, in general, the condition of water and wastewater infrastructure is better than in other Southern African countries, the challenges are massive due to increased water scarcity, rapid population growth, energy shortages, and a decline of the water infrastructure resulting from low investments . The challenges are, amongst others, safe and sufficient drinking water supply, and a reliable sanitation system, especially for marginalised areas . During droughts, the water supply is interrupted for industries and economies . The water demand for irrigation leads to groundwater over-exploitation and subsequent saltwater intrusion at coastal areas, which affects agricultural productivity . Furthermore, the low performance of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants deteriorates the quality of surface water via pollution by pathogens, nutrients, and persistent organic pollutants . These surface waters are the main drinking water resource for municipalities and industries . Owing to global warming and eutrophication, frequent cyanobacterial blooms are observed, accompanied by increased values of toxins. This topic is also relevant for German water utilities which use raw water from lakes and reservoirs. The planned project ECWASA will tackle these challenges by developing solutions for an improved water and sanitation infrastructure and infrastructure management in the water-food-energy nexus within the Buffalo City Municipality and the Kouga Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
Last Modified: Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:41:11 SAST