South Africa\u2019s biggest companies are exploring widening a partnership with the government to help resolve a water crisis that\u2019s threatening to leave the nation\u2019s commercial hub dry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Business for South Africa \u2014 which is already working with the government to boost energy production, fix a broken logistics system and tackle one of the world\u2019s highest crime rates – has held talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa over helping with the issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The offer of assistance comes as Africa\u2019s most industrialized economy wrestles with a worsening water crisis mainly attributable to decades of underinvestment and poor maintenance. Earlier this month Rand Water, Africa\u2019s biggest bulk water supplier, said Gauteng province, the nation\u2019s commercial hub in which almost 16 million people live could run out of water unless consumption wasn\u2019t immediately curbed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere is a particular challenge in Gauteng,\u201d said Martin Kingston, chairman of the steering committee of the business grouping, known as B4SA, said in an interview on Friday. \u201cThere is significant scope for the private sector to provide assistance with operation and maintenance and to mobilize capital for incremental investment in infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
B4SA, which the chief executive officers of more than 140 major companies have signed up to support, plans to initially pool information about what the private sector is doing in the water industry and then seek to assist the government. A decision on how the partnership may proceed will be made in coming months, he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udea8Media Statement\ud83d\udea8
Water storage levels throughout Gauteng Province have significantly declined due to excessive water withdrawals by municipalities, raising serious concerns.@JHBWater<\/a> @City_Ekurhuleni<\/a> @CityTshwane<\/a> @MYANC<\/a> @Our_DA<\/a> @EFFSouthAfrica<\/a> #RWWaterDemand<\/a> #RWWaterSupply<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/K3FLRdlAjV<\/a>\u2014 Rand Water (@Rand_Water) October 12, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n