Lessons We Learned

Abstract

Valuable lessons can be learned from any crisis, whether well-managed or not. Cape Town endeavoured to ensure that mistakes would not be repeated by encapsulating necessary changes into both structure and policy, and, most importantly, through the development and adoption of a holistic water strategy. We acknowledge our continued reliance on rainfed dams, while we diversify water supply sources and increase assurance of supply. Amplified in times of crisis, trust and respect play critical roles in how information is received. Data has to be accurate, credible and timeous, and presented in a format that can be widely understood for effective communication. With limited resources at hand, good governance can ensure value for money, and that benefits are maximised. But restrictive interpretation of legislation and policy can also stymie development. A balance needs to be struck. Valuing water appropriately requires a changed relationship with the environment, holistically considering our individual water footprints. The technical lessons, to improve resilience to future droughts, have been encapsulated in the comprehensive and integrated strategy, Our shared water future: Cape Town’s water strategy. The strategy is built on five pillars, encompassing the relationships between water, people, the economy, and the environment.

In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans

–Kahlil Gibran