Manpower shortage during water shortage

Municipalities across the country are struggling to fill vacant posts in the respective water management departments amid the ongoing water crisis. 

This is according to Statistics South Africa's Non-financial Census of Municipalities report. 

Source: Statistics South Africa

Source: Statistics South Africa

The Free State, which has been declared a disaster area, had the highest vacancy rate of 24,4% in 2014. 

It is followed by the North West, while Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga all had vacancy rates below the national average of 13%.

StatsSA further suggest metropolitan areas are set to really feel the pinch as 40% of the population live in cities.

Water restrictions have meanwhile been implemented in various parts of the country over recent weeks due to the drought conditions.

(File photo: Gallo Images)