A chronic drought that could leave South Africa’s Cape Town without water within weeks is hurting visitor numbers and knocking a rare economic bright spot, officials said on Friday.
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The possibility that most city taps might have to be shut off has raised concerns about security, and police and the military are expected to help secure water collection sites if Day Zero occurs, AP reports.
As the earth’s climate fluctuates and humans continue to consume water at the same levels without exploring sustainable alternatives, Cape Town is only going to be the first in a long list of cities facing similar crises.
She said the organisation would not be waiting for Day Zero to hit before stepping in.
One of the biggest social sporting events this year will be using virtually none of Cape Town’s precious potable water. South Africa’s water department told people in Gauteng province that doing so would risk creating a water crisis in their region too.
Startupbootcamp will be hosting a two-day hackathon to find viable solutions to address looming Day Zero in Cape Town. Which in total amounts to a 90-second shower, a large bottle of drinking water, and weekly laundry cleaning, if that.
According to a city statement, the average daily water production of all water sources is at 580 ml per day compared to the target of 450 millilitres per day. “We must remember, the drought is not Western Cape specific”.
In an effort to conserve as much water as possible, Capetonians will be restricted to just 50 liters of water a day – about 13 gallons – starting Thursday.
According to EWN, residents have already donated 100,000 litres of water which Gift of the Givers trucks will be transporting to the Mother City.
Cape Town is one of the most handsome cities on the planet, with some of the friendliest people, the tastiest food and wines and it’s an incredible example of how somewhere can thrive once the chains of oppression – in this case, apartheid – have been thrown off. “We’re open for business and working to use less water to keep the taps running”. Both the CTICC and Mining Indaba will be distributing material to educate delegates – foreign and local – on how to further reduce their consumption.
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“Don’t waste water”, the Jamaican said. While many Cape Town residents are skipping showers altogether, if you absolutely have to shower, use a bucket to collect extra water to be used for cleaning, flushing the toilet, or watering plants.
