MORE than 200 water tanks are being installed at informal settlements and rural areas across Kouga to help vulnerable families through the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown.
Kouga Executive Mayor Horatio Hendricks said 201 water tanks had been secured for local communities following talks between the municipality and national Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation.
Various businesses have also pledged water tanks to the programme.
“The first 100 tanks, as well as three water tankers, were delivered to Kouga over the weekend,” he said.
“The water tankers have been filling up existing water tanks for communal use.
“The new tanks are being installed this week, with the priorities being Patensie, Hankey, Thornhill, Loerie and Ocean View.”
Hendricks said having access to water was now more important than ever.
“Washing your hands regularly with soap and water is one of the best precautions against Covid-19; therefore, we want to make it as easy as possible for all our communities to access water.
“That said, we also ask that our communities continue using water wisely as our supply dams are low. Please make up for the extra water you use washing your hands by cutting back on water for another activity.”
He said the Department had further committed funding to Kouga for the establishment of temporary shelters, with the aim of de-densifying informal settlements, where the risk of cross-contamination is high.”
“We will be finalising the details with the Department over the next few days. It is critical that we have a plan in place to assist the most vulnerable of our communities during this time.”
