Justice implications of household access to alternative water and electricity

Electricity and water shortages caused by load shedding, water cuts, and drought have become the primary concerns for residents of Gauteng. Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) Maps of the Month in 2022 demonstrated that affluent households are less affected by these interruptions compared to poor households. This vignette examines the extent to which residents are seeking alternative sources of electricity and water. The data reveals that while the number of residents accessing alternative sources is increasing, it remains a small minority (approximately 1 in 20) of Gauteng residents. Affluent households are more likely to invest in these alternatives than poorer households, leading to a growing gap between the two groups, with wealthier households being able to protect themselves from electricity and water interruptions, while poorer households cannot afford to do so.

Abstract based directly on original source.