Research Report: Political Sciences HRPSC82
HRPSC82
Year Module
Department of Political Sciences
Q4
The definition of water security, according to Meissner et al. (2018), highlights the
subjective nature of how individuals perceive and respond to water-related threats
and opportunities. This perspective is particularly relevant when considering the
COVID-19 pandemic, as the role of water resources has been critical in both South
Africa and Zimbabwe.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to water security
worldwide. In the context of South Africa and Zimbabwe, two countries in southern
Africa, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of water resources for public
health, food production, and economic stability (Adams, Zulu, and Ouellette‐Kray,
2020).
The case of South Africa: During the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa used
wastewater monitoring to detect the presence of the virus and provide early warning
of outbreaks and new variants. The government also responded by supplying nearly
19,000 water storage tanks and 1,299 water delivery tankers to ensure water
supply across the country, especially in schools. This highlights the importance of
water security for public health and the ability to respond to pandemics (Ashton, and
Turton, 2009).
In South Africa, COVID 19 lockdown measures have led to increased demand for
water for handwashing and other hygiene practices aimed at preventing the spread
of the virus (Department of Water and Sanitation 2020). The country's already
strained water infrastructure was further tested by this increased demand. According
to a UNICEF (2020) report, approximately 3 million people in South Africa do not
have access to basic sanitation facilities, making it difficult for them to maintain good
hygiene during the pandemic. In addition, many informal settlements lack reliable
, access to piped water, forcing residents to rely on communal taps or other sources
that may be contaminated (Department of Water and Sanitation 2020).
In South Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted pre-existing disparities in
access to water and infrastructure, particularly in informal settlements and rural
areas. The lack of reliable water sources and inadequate sanitation facilities pose
significant challenges for the implementation of preventive measures and ensuring
the well-being of vulnerable population groups (Gumbo, and Van der Zaag, 2002).
The pandemic has exacerbated existing water-related inequalities and underscored
the need for targeted interventions to improve water security and public health
outcomes in marginalized communities.
The case of Zimbabwe: In Zimbabwe, the pandemic has exacerbated existing
problems with access to water, particularly in towns like Karoi, where water demand
has skyrocketed due to the need for hygiene practices such as hand washing. The
lack of clean water posed a significant risk to human well-being as it increased the
chances of contracting the disease. The government's efforts to provide alternative
sources of safe drinking water, such as boreholes and sheltered wells, have been
instrumental in mitigating these risks.
Similarly, in Zimbabwe, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of
water systems and the implications for public health and livelihoods. The country
faces long-standing challenges in water infrastructure, water quality, and equitable
access to water resources, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The lack
of reliable water supply and sanitation services in both urban and rural areas has
increased the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and placed additional pressure on
communities already struggling with water shortages.
In Zimbabwe, the situation is even worse. The country has been experiencing a
severe drought since 2018, which has affected both agricultural production and
access to clean water (World Bank 2019). The COVID-19 pandemic has
exacerbated these challenges by disrupting water supply chains and limiting access
to basic services such as health care and education (UNICEF 2020). As a result,
many communities are forced to rely on contaminated sources for their daily water
needs.
Comparative Analysis of South Africa and Zimbabwe
