The energy crisis in South Africa can cripple the water sector if measures are not taken now to address the looming water crisis, was the message at IFAT Africa in the middle of the month.

As a media partner, ESI Africa attended the conference to hear what concerns water sector stakeholders

Electricity is an indispensable element when it comes to water treatment, playing a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of safe and clean water to communities.

Water treatment facilities heavily rely on electricity to operate their complex and sophisticated systems, from the initial intake of raw water to the final distribution of treated water. Without a stable and uninterrupted power supply, the entire water treatment process can be severely compromised, putting public health at risk.

Electricity fuels the entire process, from the initial intake of raw water to the final distribution of treated water. Therefore, ensuring a stable and resilient power supply is crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of water treatment systems.

Thobekile Gambu from uMngeni-uThukela Water led a panel discussion that highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by the water sector in the midst of unreliable power supply.

The panel also highlighted the lessons the water sector can learn from the current ongoing energy crisis in South Africa.

The panelists discussed four important points the South African water industry could take to heart:

• Invest in renewables and diversification of energy
• Take note of recommendations from the experts
• Invest in research and development
• Create good policies and a supportive regulatory frameworks

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Investing in renewables and diversification of energy

Firstly, investing in renewables and diversification of energy is key to building a resilient water system.

“Depending heavily on a single source of energy can be risky, as disruptions in supply can have severe consequences. Exploring renewable energy options such as solar can provide a more resilient in water treatment process,” said Gambu.

“Listen to the experts”

Hilton Baartman, who is the Managing Director for GLS Consulting and a panelist on the session also asserted that the “government need to listen to experts” in order to avoid a repeat of the energy crisis in the water sector.

“In 1998, the engineers informed the government that in about 2008, we were going to run out of generation power to meet the increased demand for energy due to economic growth at that time.

“The government didn’t listen to the engineers back then and we’ve got the same problem coming on the water side as well, a failure to to follow recommendations of experts and engineers,” said Baartman.

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Investing in research and development

The panel also highlighted that research and development is critical to foster innovation.
Dr Thokozani Mncube from Umgeni-uThukula Water said that investing in research and development focused on energy-efficient technologies and practices is crucial within the water sector and this can lead to the development of novel solutions, such as energy recovery from wastewater, to reduce energy requirements and enhance overall sustainability.

But this will require political will. “We don’t have a water crisis in South Africa, we have a leadership crisis. We need leadership that will drive growth, infrastructure renewal and skills development,” said Mncube.

Role of policies and legislative frameworks

Also required are good policies and a supportive regulatory frameworks. The water sector can learn from South Africa’s energy crisis and start now to advocate for favourable policies and regulations that promote energy resilience.

Engaging with policymakers and regulatory bodies to prioritise energy security, incentivise renewable energy adoption and streamline permitting processes for energy projects can support the water sector in its energy-related bottlenecks.

The Role of Skills Development in the water sector

Skills play a pivotal role in the water sector, contributing to its effective operation, sustainability and ability to address complex challenges.

Skilled professionals with expertise in various disciplines such as engineering, hydrology, chemistry, and environmental sciences are essential for the planning, design, and implementation of water infrastructure projects. Their knowledge ensures that water treatment plants, distribution networks, and wastewater management systems are efficiently designed, operated and maintained.

A recent cholera outbreak outside the administrative capital of Tshwane led to at least 15 deaths and dozens being hospitalised. Reports from analysts point to long-running water quality and supply issues in the areas as a contributing factor for the outbreak.
Gauteng, Free State and Limpopo recorded cholera cases, bring a sharp focus on water treatment in South Africa.

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