South Africa’s data centre boom raises concerns over water

The growing number of data centres in Cape Town is worrying residents’ and environmental groups as South Africa seeks to become the continent’s “digital gateway.” In Barcelona neighbourhood, near land acquired by Equinix, some residents lack running water and sanitation and may wait up to two hours to fill a 20-litre bucket, according to activist Kenneth Matlawe. Advocacy groups are calling for a moratorium on new construction while regulations are developed to address local needs and potential water impacts. Cape Town already has around a dozen data centres and has approved five more projects.