Mpumalanga tourism mecca no more as sewage and water crisis deepens
The Panorama Route depends on tourism, but failing water and sewage threaten jobs and visitor confidence.
The town of Thaba Chweu in Mpumalanga, which includes popular tourist destinations like Lydenburg, Graskop, Sabie, and Pilgrim’s Rest, is facing a severe tourism crisis due to a severe sewage and water crisis. Recent water samples tested by iLab and AfriForum revealed unsafe levels of coliform bacteria and high alkalinity, rendering the water unsuitable for consumption.
Ferrial Adam, executive director of WaterCan, stated that Thaba Chweu is among several municipalities struggling to provide safe drinking water. The lack of reliable water supply, coupled with sewage spills onto streets and into rivers, is not only a service delivery problem but also a significant tourism and economic development issue.
Oupa Pilane, chair of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association board, emphasized that Graskop, Sabie, Pilgrim’s Rest, and the Panorama Route heavily rely on tourism for businesses, employment, and local economic activity. He warned that the situation could lead to job losses, diminished reputations, and decreased investment.
Pilane called for urgent intervention from the national government, urging a stronger partnership between authorities and the tourism industry to address the deteriorating infrastructure supporting the visitor experience. WaterCan's Ferrial Adam highlighted the need for accountability and remediation of the unsafe water supply.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
