The Cascading Effects of Johannesburg's Water Crisis: How Can We Mitigate the Risks?

Riskonet Africa has expressed its concern over continuous water supply issues in Johannesburg, especially as we approach the summer months.?

Despite Rand Water's assertion that it can supply water to consumers, a? significant number of Johannesburg residents have experienced low water pressure or a complete lack of water for the past week. This situation is reminiscent of a similar incident in October 2022 during a heatwave. In a joint statement, Rand Water and Johannesburg Water attributed the issue to high consumption rates. However, expert assessments contradict this claim,? insisting that the residents cannot solely be held responsible. It has come to light that the Commando System, pivotal in supplying water to significant portions of the west and inner city, is under immense pressure, exacerbating the problem.?

Volker Von Widdern the Principal of Strategic Risk at Riskonet Africa says: "This recurring issue presents a substantial risk not only to individual residents but also to the key services such as hospitals and schools that underpin the social well-being of Johannesburg. We must address the root causes, rather than? simply attributing it to high consumption."?

Von Widdern further emphasises: "It's critical for authorities to enhance demand side analysis and related capacity of the infrastructure, address any operational inefficiencies and ensure timely maintenance. Simultaneously, we? urge the community to adopt water-saving practices and be conscious of their? water usage."?

For example, a water reservoir would have been established for the planned use of a community. Population migration and conversion from low-rise to high-density housing would accelerate demand beyond the initial plans. Thus the reservoir has a high risk of running dry and leaving hospitals without water. Riskonet says a stable water supply is essential for a variety of businesses, from manufacturing and agriculture to hospitality and services. If the water supply is compromised, businesses may have to halt or reduce their operations. This can result in significant economic losses, including a reduction in production,? service disruption, job losses, and decreased revenues for the city and its businesses.

Riskonet says over time inadequate or polluted water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. The increased health risks can strain healthcare systems, leading to increased medical costs and decreased workforce productivity as more people fall ill or must care for sick family members.?

If water scarcity increases its price can rise, leading households to spend more on buying water. Additionally, the cost of goods and services dependent on water can also rise. For instance, agricultural products might become more expensive due to reduced crop yields, and services like laundry or car washes might increase their charges.?

Riskonet says prolonged water crises can lead to social unrest as people compete for limited resources. Protests, conflicts, and even violence can erupt over access to clean water. Additionally, residents might migrate to other areas or cities with better water availability, leading to brain drain and loss of skilled workforce from the affected city.?

Considering these events, Riskonet urges immediate intervention by all relevant stakeholders to identify underlying challenges, invest in sustainable water management systems, and engage in effective public communication to prevent further disruptions.