Mulday Mondays: Iceberg Towing as a Solution for South Africa’s Water Shortage??
South Africa
To recap from last year…..
Three S’s in Water: Security, Scarcity and Stress
In water related topics, it is the norm to use all three words interchangeably. It is best to have an exact understanding on the terminology to appreciate the gravity of the problem.
GODFATHER OF TOWING ICEBERGS
Mr. John Issacs- His solution to the California Drought in the 40’s ….Tow an Iceberg to San Diego
While he is credited as the modern day godfather, he was not the first to appreciate the utilization of Icebergs.
Mid 1800’s - Iceberg Utilization
June 1977- New York Times Article about Prince Mohamed Al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia’s consideration to tow 100 million tons of Iceberg to Jeddah. The return for such an investment back then was 25 million gallons of fresh water. A grand total cost of a cool $1-$2 billion dollars.
One thing about the sons of the Royal Saudi Family, they do know how to put on a show. Is it always effective or productive, I don’t know. However, it always ends with one scratching their head, while either screaming or mummering
Needless to say that was the end of that project or so…..
Introducing South African Zambian marine salvage expert… We so often advocate for Africans providing solutions for African problems
IAN SLOANE- TOWING ICEBERGS TO SOLVE SOUTH AFRICA WATER CONCERNS
A marine salvage expert says he has the solution to Cape Town's water shortage problems. He wants to tow a 100 million tonne iceberg from Antarctica to the city in South Africa. Usmaan Lone has more.
QUESTIONS & CONCERNS
What could possibly go wrong with TOWING an iceberg for about 1,200 miles?
Minus the strong currents and the unclear logistics. How do you preserve and break apart the Iceberg? How do you mine the water out without any ecological damages?How much will this cost?
Fiscally: It is estimated that a single trip will cost $100 million. This does not include the process of removing the salt from the melted Iceberg. Our African brother says private investors are willing to invest without government assistance.
Environmentally: This completely contradicts the Antarctic Treaty which prohibits such ventures because of the harm that it would cause to the environment and the ecological system.Who is paying for this?
As mentioned the Government has declined this has a solution. However, It has not firmly stated that the private sector of South Africa may not consider this a solution.
Do we really want private investors playing monopoly on water supply?
THE ANTARCTIC TREATY
Antarctica is the only continent without a government. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by the twelve countries whose scientist had maintained a base from 1957-1958. Those countries include: Argentina,Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa,United Kingdom, United States and then former USSR.
The United States and Russia have enough hard power to discourage anyone or government wanting to use this space for “free water”. Rest assure with a expanding population, unpredictable weather and good ‘ol capitalism… The United States and Russia will determine the Iceberg Water Market.
To know more about the Antarctic Treaty
Saudi Arabia is also considering this an option
See you next Mulday,