AfriForum will conduct extensive testing of drinking and wastewater in nearly 160 areas this month to hold local government accountable for the provision of this basic human right. Through its water quality monitoring project, the civil rights organisation is mobilising AfriForum branches across the country to fulfil this important monitoring role. This will be the 11th year in which AfriForum has conducted this type of testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Lambert de Klerk, AfriForum\u2019s Manager of Environmental Affairs, the Department of Water and Sanitation\u2019s latest reports paint a concerning picture of the state of South Africa\u2019s water infrastructure. According to the Department\u2019s figures, nearly half (47%) of the country\u2019s municipal wastewater treatment works are in a critical condition, while hundreds of drinking water systems are still classified as high-risk or critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cThese findings once again highlight local government\u2019s failure to take decisive action against the deterioration of water infrastructure and the continued pollution of the country\u2019s natural water resources. Millions of litres of untreated sewage are discharged into rivers and other water sources as a result of the poor management and insufficient capacity of wastewater treatment works, placing the health of millions of people across the country at risk,\u201d says De Klerk.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cCommunities can no longer rely on the state to ensure that their drinking water is safe. AfriForum therefore conducts its own drinking water quality tests to provide communities with reliable information and compel the authorities to act.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The results of the water quality tests will be submitted to the relevant local municipalities. Should the results fail to comply with the prescribed standards, AfriForum will ensure that communities are immediately informed of any potential dangers. The civil rights organisation will also demand that the municipalities concerned address any water quality problems as soon as possible or risk facing legal action.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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