South African Water Shortages Set to Spread

Water shortages in South Africa may spread to Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State province, Johannesburg-based Business Day reported.

Water deficits, caused by a lack of infrastructure, have been experienced in Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, Mafikeng and Brits in the North West province and in Brandfort in Free State, Business Day cited Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority consultant Richard Holden as saying.

A lack of qualified engineers with knowledge of how to run water-treatment plants is also contributing to the shortage, Business Day said, citing Holden.  Bloomberg