Tourism to the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal is under threat as local municipalities have been struggling to provide a reliable water supply for the past 18 months.
Hospitality association, FEDHASA, has raised the alarm about how this severely impacts tourism in the region, noting that, with a staggering number of days without water, tourism businesses have been 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 Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of FEDHASA.
‘Tourists shying away'
According to residents' reports, the South Coast has experienced shocking water shortages over the last 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 disastrous, with establishments struggling to survive and tourists shying away from visiting the area.
An example of the direct impact is a FEDHASA member based in Umzumbe, who disclosed that just their hotel spent a staggering R2 million (€102 590) in the last financial year alone trucking in water, due to the municipality's inability to provide a consistent water supply.
Anderson said several other B&Bs and holiday cottages faced 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.”
DWS must step in
Anderson pointed out that FEDHASA was adamant that the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) must step in when municipalities failed to provide adequate water services.
However, despite the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) expressing deep concern over the crisis in September 2022, the situation remains unresolved, leaving local communities pleading for assistance.
The SAHRC's public hearings revealed that the water crisis on the South Coast was a result of ageing infrastructure, corruption, and a lack of maintenance.
“FEDHASA echoes the call for the DWS to urgently intervene and take decisive action to address the escalating crisis, which has far-reaching consequences for residents and businesses alike,” concluded Anderson.
