“Capturing Water” by Rehad Desai addresses South Africa’s escalating water crisis, exacerbated by climate change and poor governance. The documentary highlights significant disparities in water access, pressing questions of equity, and grassroots activism aimed at combating these challenges. Desai calls for emotional engagement to inspire change and ensure equitable water distribution.
In 2018, as Cape Town faced an extreme drought, residents prepared for “Day Zero,” signifying a potential end to municipal water supply. South African filmmaker Rehad Desai, known for his documentary work, warns that this crisis reveals deeper issues exacerbated by climate change. His film “Capturing Water,” showcased at the Joburg Film Festival, highlights the urgent water issues affecting South Africa and the continent at large.
Desai elaborates, stating, “We have got 250 million people facing water stress, mainly in urban areas, across the continent by 2030.” South Africa, primarily arid, is becoming drier due to climate changes, compounding existing water shortages. The documentary examines the Western Cape crisis as a product of long-term governmental neglect amidst the growing pressures of climate change.
The disparity in water treatment systems is significant. Cape Town’s poorly managed sewage is often dumped into the sea; 55 million liters of fresh water are required daily for this disposal alone. Nationwide, around 3.5 million households lack clean water, with government inefficiencies causing 35% of available clean water to be lost. Desai comments that local municipalities lack the necessary funds and skills to address these challenges effectively.
Political decisions are heavily influential. In Cape Town, a mere 13% of the populace consumes over half of the water, creating inevitable conflict over dwindling resources. Economic expansion and tourism are further straining access to water for poorer communities, where rationing is increasingly common. Desai critiques the situation, stating, “You see the inequity of the situation…many, if not most, of our townships are only getting a couple of hours of water a day.”
This inequity leads to critical questions about resource distribution: “How are we going to share what water we have?” Desai poses challenges to eliminate disparities while advocating equitable solutions. Though the documentary does not provide answers, it emphasizes grassroots initiatives to tackle water crises, including activism against water restriction policies and legal battles to protect vital resources.
The global implications of water scarcity are similarly alarming. “Capturing Water” also highlights international examples, such as foreign companies threatening California’s aquifers while gambling on the future water supply. Desai notes that increasing scarcity pressures those who can least afford it, positioning water as a commodity rather than an essential human right.
Desai’s previous works, including documentaries that shine light on socio-political issues in South Africa, set the stage for a broader vision with “Capturing Water.” He aims for a widespread release to galvanize public awareness and action, believing emotional engagement can inspire social change. He envisions the film as a catalyst for community activism.
The Joburg Film Festival will take place from March 11 to March 16, presenting Desai’s timely call-to-action regarding water conservation and equitable access.
The documentary “Capturing Water” by Rehad Desai shines a spotlight on the dire water crisis facing South Africa and the broader continent, examining the issues rooted in climate change and governmental neglect. It highlights the stark inequities in water access, particularly among urban poor populations. The film emphasizes the importance of grassroots initiatives and raises critical questions about resource distribution and the commodification of water. Desai aims to inspire activism through the film, seeking to stimulate necessary dialogue and action for water preservation.
Original Source: variety.com
