Johannesburg grapples with severe water shortage

Johannesburg is facing a critical water crisis, leaving millions scrambling for essential supplies.

Mogomotsi Magome reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

Johannesburg's water crisis, marked by long queues for water, stems from a combination of hot weather, failing infrastructure, and poor management.
The term "watershedding" has been coined, reflecting the severity of water shortages, akin to the electricity "loadshedding" the country already endures.
A staggering 40% of the city's water is lost to leaks, highlighting the dire state of its water infrastructure.

Key quote:

"We are really struggling. We need to cook, and children must also attend school. We need water to wash their clothes. It’s very stressful."

— Tsholofelo Moloi, a resident of Soweto

Why this matters:

Global water shortages are becoming a pressing issue, affecting millions of people. This crisis stems from a combination of climate change, population growth, and inefficient water use, which together exacerbate the scarcity of this vital resource.

By 2050 many of the world's major cities will face surface water shortages, spurring regional conflict and competition for scarce resources.

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Johannesburg grapples with severe water shortage

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