El Niño raises questions over KZN’s water preparedness - IOL

A powerful El Niño climate pattern is rapidly developing in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to influence South Africa's weather over the coming months. The World Meteorological Organization says there is more than a 90% chance the event will persist until at least November, increasing the risk of extreme heat, drought and veld fires across the country's summer rainfall regions.

KwaZulu-Natal’s readiness for possible El Niño-related drought conditions is under scrutiny, with eThekwini Municipality saying it is monitoring the risk and strengthening water security, while environmental justice organisation groundWork says municipalities should already be taking stronger measures to conserve water and protect vulnerable communities.

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said the city was closely monitoring forecasts relating to the potential impact of El Niño through its relevant departments and disaster management structures.

“The city has implemented a range of preparedness and mitigation measures aimed at strengthening water security and ensuring continuity of essential services should prolonged dry conditions materialise,” he said.

Mzila said these measures included ongoing monitoring of water resources, infrastructure maintenance, water conservation initiatives and co-ordination with stakeholders responsible for water supply and management.

The municipality has also urged residents to use water responsibly and sparingly, avoid unnecessary consumption and comply with water-conservation measures communicated by the city.

But groundWork's David Hallowes said El Niño should be viewed as a warning of a potentially slow-developing drought rather than an immediate disaster.

“El Niño increases the risk of drought, not flood,” Hallowes said.

He described drought as a “slow onset event”, saying this gave municipalities an opportunity to act before conditions became critical.

“Municipalities should be promoting water saving now,” Hallowes said.

He also called for municipalities to address water losses by fixing leaks and ensuring that appropriate infrastructure was provided for shack settlements.

The city’s preparedness plans also come against the backdrop of significant investment in water infrastructure. eThekwini has previously said nearly R3 billion has been spent to stabilise water and sanitation services, including the R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct Upgrade Project.