Update water system
The current water crisis in Cape Town is showing the importance of maintaining an updated water system, even when the reality of climate change is not that pressing, says Otto and Wolski, a company that will begin a project examining the factors that contributed to the three-year dearth of rainfall in the Western Cape region.
The region in 2003 suffered a drought that was less severe. The city at the time implemented a plan of action to prevent leaks and water losses. This proved successful as the city for 15 years did not experience any increase in water demand despite its increased population growth.
Wolski said the city’s plans to update its water system were “just sort of on the slow burner all the time,” as there was no incentive to do so. And this is what other cities in Africa must avoid.
