The South Coast of South Africa, a popular tourist destination stretching from Pumula Beach to Port Edward, is grappling with a severe water crisis that has taken a heavy toll on both tourism and local residents. The Ugu District, encompassing this region, has been facing ongoing water shortages, with no sustainable solution in sight. This has left businesses struggling to stay afloat and residents enduring prolonged periods without access to basic necessities.
Businesses in the hospitality sector are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Pauline Lee, general manager of The Waffle House Ramsgate, highlighted the financial burden of securing alternative water sources. “We’ve had to rely on water tankers every two days, even during off-peak times,” she explained. The restaurant’s water consumption skyrockets during peak season, increasing the financial strain. Each water tanker costs a hefty R3,200, with prices fluctuating based on demand. To cope with these expenses, the restaurant has installed eco-friendly water purifiers to maintain operations.
Brett Tungay, chairman of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), emphasized the crisis’s devastating impact on tourism in the region. “The crisis impacts local establishments more than tourists, as visitors can choose other destinations, but businesses here must find ways to stay afloat,” Tungay said. Many hospitality businesses have resorted to installing water tanks or boreholes to address the shortages. FEDHASA has been actively engaged in talks with government bodies, including the new MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, to find solutions.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire. The general manager of the Margate Hotel, who preferred anonymity, revealed that the hotel spends up to R10,000 on water during busy weekends when their backup water supply from JoJo tanks runs out.
Local residents are also facing the consequences of the crisis. Alta O’Kelly, a resident of Uvongo, has been struggling for over two years to get Ugu and the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality to repair a water pipe, leading to deteriorating road conditions. Anne Selmer-Olsen, a pensioner, shared her experience of having water only 36 to 48 hours per week over the past five years, making it difficult to manage her husband’s medical needs.
Sandi Johnston, a small business owner running a guesthouse in Ramsgate, criticized Ugu Municipality for its failures, highlighting high water bills despite receiving no water and persistent sewage issues. “We’re paying for air due to faulty meters, and Ugu’s incompetence is driving tourists away,” Johnston said. Former Sunday Tribune editor Peter Davis, who also suffered property losses due to water issues, attributed the crisis to financial mismanagement by Ugu Municipality. He sold his Marina Beach property due to persistent water problems and the municipality’s misallocation of funds. He noted that despite the municipality blaming Eskom blackouts for water issues, the South Coast has not experienced load shedding in recent weeks, yet water disruptions continue.
The water crisis on the South Coast highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to address the water shortages and infrastructure deficiencies. It’s a stark reminder of the impact of water scarcity and the critical need for effective governance and management of water resources.
