Durban - Highlighting KwaZulu-Natal South Coast’s tourism industry as a hot spot under threat because of taps running dry, the DA yesterday called on the president to create a tourism and infrastructure inter-ministerial task team.
“We could have water in the morning, but that can change within hours,” said Viranna, adding that unless the water supply issue was tackled, it would add to the already severe damage caused to the tourism economy by the Covid-19 lockdown. “Between 30 000 to 50 000 jobs have been lost directly and indirectly from 2018 and with Covid, this will be worse.“Tourism and business cannot plan with water disruptions and it ends in job losses,” said Viranna.
“The simple truth is that tourists, whether domestic or international, will simply not spend their cash in areas that have a record of unstable water and electricity supply.are losing their jobs due to the massive failure of local government to create an environment that they need to operate.” This included the implementation of the Greytown Bulk Water Supply which is set to supply emergency water relief and long term water supply to Greytown and Enhlalakahle.