The book provides a critical evaluation of South Africa's freshwater
resources to illustrate the way in which its freshwater resources, water
access, services and infrastructure have continued to decline over the
past three decades. The continued decline of water governance,
management, water service delivery, dilapidated water infrastructure,
dysfunctional local governments and overall excessive water degradation
is illustrated and emphasized using real-life examples and case studies
from various contexts within the country.
The main argument of the book is that South Africa's freshwater
resources have declined to such an extent that it can be described as a
predicament. Questionable water governance decisions and reactive water
management practices have led to no improvement and/or increased
degradation of freshwater resources. An overall lack of service delivery
exists across the country, in various contexts, leading to further water
and social decline.
An inter-disciplinary evaluation of South Africa's current water
predicament is provided, major water crises are prioritized, and
suitable recommendations are given to transform its predicament into
problems which can be addressed. Suitable background information is
given to emphasize the necessity of good water governance, management,
and service delivery. South Africa's freshwater resources are evaluated
with specific focus on the decline of informed water governance,
management, service delivery and water quality. Factors requiring urgent
attention are determined and suitable recommendations and/or actions are
provided.
An evaluation and overall synthesis focused on the transformation of the
predicament into problems is provided. Primary water problems are
prioritized according to urgency and suitable recommendations are given
to assist in transforming the country's current complex water
predicament into "simpler" water problems. Political will, collaboration
with researchers, stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and
cooperation of civil society is required.
South Africa's already scarce freshwater resources and decaying
infrastructure will persist and possibly collapse if no major actions or
interventions are implemented.
