The protracted water crisis on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast has forced hotels and other hospitality establishments to truck in water at astronomical costs, pushing some to consider shutting shop.
Some areas located in what was once considered the jewel of the province’s tourism sector, have been without water for up to 50 days, with residents and businesses forced to buy supplies for drinking and bathing.
The dire situation has prompted a call from the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) for the national water and sanitation department to urgently intervene.
“Fedhasa is adamant the department of water and sanitation (DWS) must step in when municipalities fail to provide adequate water services.
“Despite the South African Human Rights Commission expressing concern over the crisis in September 2022, the situation remains unresolved, leaving local communities pleading for assistance,” said Rosemary Anderson, Fedhasa chair.
“The SAHRC’s public hearings revealed that the water crisis on the south coast is a result of ageing infrastructure, corruption and a lack of maintenance.”
Anderson said with the industry on the south coast reeling from the ongoing crisis, Fedhasa decided to raise the alarm “about how this dire situation severely impacts tourism in the region”.
“The consequences are devastating, with a staggering number of days without water and businesses forced to truck in water at astronomical costs.
“The tourism industry, a vital economic driver for the region, is in peril, and the future looks bleak without swift intervention.
“Fedhasa is standing firm, urging the government to prioritise the restoration of a stable and reliable water supply for the south coast, safeguarding the livelihoods of residents and ensuring the region’s allure as a thriving tourism destination,” said Anderson.
She said residents have reported experiencing water shortages over the past 18 months “with only 107 out of 255 days having access to water (between December 10 2021 and August 22 2022)”.
“The effects on the local hospitality industry have been nothing short of disastrous, with establishments struggling to survive and tourists shying away from visiting the area.
“A poignant example comes from a Fedhasa member based in Umzumbe, who disclosed that their hotel spent a staggering R2m in the last financial year, trucking in water due to the municipality’s inability to provide consistent water supply.
“Several other B&Bs and holiday cottages face a similar plight, with cancelled bookings becoming the norm and property owners now desperate to offload their assets.
“The economic repercussions of this water crisis are felt far and wide. With tourists hesitant to visit the region due to the uncertainty surrounding water availability, businesses are haemorrhaging revenue, leading to mass layoffs and local shops struggling to survive without an influx of visitors.
“Adding insult to injury, private water tanker operators are capitalising on the situation, charging exorbitant prices and further crippling already beleaguered businesses,” said Anderson.
Desperate residents have taken social media platforms to voice their anger and frustration.
The Ugu Complaints Facebook page is flooded with posts by fed-up residents who have to endure days, weeks and months without water.
A poignant example comes from a Fedhasa member based in Umzumbe, who disclosed that their hotel spent a staggering R2m in the last financial year, trucking in water due to the municipality's inability to provide consistent water supply.
— Rosemary Anderson, Fedhasa chair
One resident said: “Our taps are still dry, not a drop of water. This is an ongoing weekly problem with no clear indication of what the problem and long-term solution is.
“Communication received from Ugu is meaningless, worthless and just empty promises. Ugu you need to be more truthful and transparent about what is actually happening. Our councillors are bearing the brunt of your deception and false information.”
Some are considering placing billboards at major shopping centres and tolls to alert visitors to the area about the situation.
“Should we have billboards put up at Shelly Centre, South Coast Mall and the toll plaza, we can tell all tourists and the world how many days we are without water in each area,” said another resident.
TimesLIVE Premium has reached out to the Ugu municipality and is awaiting a response.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.