After years of water shortages, the divide between the haves and have-nots in KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast is stark. While wealthier areas have found ways to cope with the failing water system, poorer communities are left without reliable access to water.
In Margate, efforts by residents and businesses are slowly transforming the area into a tourist hotspot once again. Despite ongoing issues with water supply and infrastructure under the Ugu District Municipality, the coastal strip is seeing improvements. Wealthier residents have installed backup systems to deal with water outages, while poorer inland areas continue to struggle with intermittent or no water supply.
Recent visits to Margate reveal a cleaner and safer town, with businesses reporting increased bookings and a resurgence in tourism. Accommodation establishments like Santana Holiday Resort and Margate Sands are fully booked for the upcoming Easter weekend, thanks to investments in water tanks to mitigate water outages.
Local initiatives like Tidy Towns have played a significant role in cleaning up the beachfront and town, contributing to the revitalization of the area. However, challenges persist in neighboring towns like Ramsgate, where water outages continue to plague residents and businesses.
In rural areas like Mvutshini, communal taps have been dry for almost three years, forcing residents to rely on water deliveries by truck. The lack of access to clean water has led to health concerns, with some residents resorting to buying drinking water from shops.
In townships like Gamalakhe, residents face days-long water outages, forcing them to travel long distances to access clean water. The disparity between urban and rural areas highlights the ongoing water inequality in the region.
Experts like Professor Anthony Turton warn that the water system in the Ugu District Municipality has failed, leading to a widening gap between the rich and poor. While wealthier residents can afford to insulate themselves against water shortages, those without means are left to struggle with inadequate water provision.
As the region grapples with ongoing water challenges, it is clear that a comprehensive and sustainable solution is needed to ensure equitable access to water for all residents. The divide between the wealthy and the marginalized must be addressed to create a more inclusive and resilient water system for the future.
