The Stream, July 30: Massive Investment Needed for South Africa’s Water

Africa
South Africa will need an investment of $US 71 billion over the next 10 years to supply enough water to meet growing demand, Bloomberg News reported. The country needs the money to update its water infrastructure, including sanitation and irrigation projects.

Much of the money being spent on European Union-backed water and sanitation projects in Africa is being wasted, according to an assessment by the United Kingdom’s House of Lords, the Guardian reported. Many projects are not sustainable, and fail to meet the needs of communities.

Mining
A large majority of voters in the Colombian community of Piedras oppose gold mining activities in the area, with 99 percent voting “no” on a ballot measure gauging support for AngloGold Ashanti’s La Colosa mine project, IPS reported. The mining company says the measure was not worded fairly, and does not reflect the true nature of their operations.

Climate Change
The Marshall Islands are calling on Australia to take greater measures to curb climate change as rising sea levels threaten the existence of Pacific island nations, the Guardian reported. Australia should take “more of an active and globalist role in climate change,” according to the vice-president of the Marshall Islands.

The Stream is a daily digest spotting global water trends. To get more water news, follow Circle of Blue on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek