PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa – The world has been watching as the possibility that Cape Town and other cities in South Africa have been preparing for Day Zero when their public supply of potable water will no longer be available. Amid the preparations, residents are taking mandated precautions to avoid the impending disaster. Many are praying for divine intervention as South Africa endures the longest drought in its history.
Circle of Water’s latest update says, “farmers in South Africa’s Western Cape province have had to trim water use by 60%, and as a result, agricultural production is expected to be down 20% this year. Wheat production has been the hardest hit – it may be half of last year’s harvest, forcing wheat imports to double. The drought will reduce exports of apples, pears and grapes, and the lack of rain will continue to put stress on the Western Cape’s renowned wine industry. Officials in South Africa are hoping to make their water last until the rainy season, while fine-tuning conservation to better manage water for the future.”
We reached out to Andre Barnard, the Gospel for Asia (SA) representative in Port Elizabeth for a first hand look at the situation. Following are excerpts from our conversation.
GFA: Given the size of Cape Town it seems to be getting the most publicity about Day Zero. How is the crisis affecting the Eastern Cape and Port Elizabeth?
André: Port Elizabeth’s 1.3 million people are served by 4 reservoirs and the lack of rainfall has caused them to be at only 25.62% of total capacity.
Recently an Eastern Cape farmer said to me: “I have been farming for fifty years and have never seen a sheep’s lips bleeding because of trying to get to grass between rocks.”
An article from the Port Elizabeth Herald newspaper said the following about farmers in the Eastern Cape: “They have already reduced their livestock numbers drastically – even slaughtering their breeding flocks and herds.” Several smaller towns have no water at all.
GFA: What, in your experience, is the reason that water levels are so low? Is there a singular reason or are there multiple reasons?
André: It’s largely due to lack of rainfall this year and rapid population growth since 1995, but residents are also to blame for wasting water and not conserving when it rains normally. Local governments and municipalities are also to blame for mismanagement.
GFA: What restrictions are in place on water usage?
André: Water restrictions and increased fees for excess water usage are in force to reduce usage. Port Elizabeth residents are asked to use only 60 liters (15.8 gallons) of water per person per day. (The average shower uses 22 liters of water per minute.) We currently are allowed 60 liters per person per day. Any usage above this is charged at much higher rates.
GFA: How do the citizens taking the shortage?
André: The majority are very good and are doing their best to save as much water as possible. Many people have installed water reservoirs/tanks to collect rain water from their roofs.
GFA: How do they feel about the restrictions?
André: People do not like restrictions, but it’s something we just have to accept
GFA: Do the local Christians have a different perspective than others on the situation?
André: Yes, Christians do have a completely different perspective. We know and acknowledge that God is in control, that He is the maker and giver of rain. I believe “only God can create life and only God can create life-saving water.” Christians look to God for His provision and non-believers look to the government and themselves for solutions.
GFA: Are you aware of any people for whom the shortage is currently a hardship?
André: The irrigation farms in Hankey, Patensie, and the Gamtoos Valley are facing huge problems because of the low water level in the Kouga Dam which is a major source of water for irrigation
GFA: Is there a sense of panic?
André: Oh yes, I have seen photos of people stock piling drinking water.
GFA: Other than a dwindling supply of water, how else is the drought affecting daily life?
André: I think it has forced people to become more aware of their natural environment and the importance of conserving and protecting the water resources given to them by God. More people are acknowledging God as the only HOPE we have for rain.
GFA: How do you believe that God will glorify Himself both in the current situation and in the coming months?
André: I believe that all Christians will praise the name of God and give Him all the glory even if we have to wait a few more months for rain. We praise Him for every drop. Matthew 5:45 says “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (ESV)
GFA: How much rain would it take to bring water sources back to normal levels?
André: This is a very difficult question. We would need heavy snow fall in winter and heavy rainfall over several months in the catchment areas.
GFA: What do you anticipate people will do if water is no longer available through taps?
André: That will be a very testing time for government and people alike. To stand in a queue for water will be something new for all of us and there will be lots of angry and short-tempered people. This will be a very good time for Christians to witness with their patience and love.
GFA: How would you ask believers to pray?
André: People should pray and acknowledge our dependence on God and Him alone. Acknowledge our total inability to create rain and give God the glory as the maker of rain. Confess to God that we as humans are responsible for harming His creation. Confess that we have not been good stewards of the resources He has freely given us. Ask Him to forgive us and beg Him for mercy. We should also ask Him to work in the hearts of people to turn to Him for all their needs.
GFA: Thank you, André. We will be praying earnestly and expecting God to do great and marvelous things.
Sources:
- Circle of Blue, What’s Up with Water – March 5,2018
- Missions Box News, Cape Town Water Crisis Declared National Disaster as ‘Day Zero’ Approaches
- Missions Box News, [Update] Cape Town Water Crisis ‘Day Zero’ Moved Back 5 Weeks to July 9th
For more information about this, click here.
