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What’s the problem with South Africa’s water supply?

The Eastern Cape rovince has been dealing with water shortages for months, while a few years ago residents in Cape Town faced a similar problem.

“People can’t go to work, can’t cook. We aren’t even sure if the water that’s brought in by trucks is clean. Enough is enough.â€

Residents of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa have been dealing with water shortages for months.

A long drought and ageing infrastructure are both impacting on supply – with around 30% of water being lost because of leaking pipes.

And it’s not the first time South Africa has dealt with a crisis of this nature. A few years ago, residents in the coastal city of Cape Town also faced water shortages.

What can President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government do to mitigate against natural disasters like drought, and collapsing infrastructure?

Presenter: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)

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16 minutes

Podcast