Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Executive Mayor, Nqaba Bhanga, on Monday, May 24 gave un update on the current drought situation at a press briefing.
“Every Monday, I receive a briefing from our officials from the infrastructure and engineering directorate on the drought, to assess interventions and progress on our drought mitigation projects,” Bhanga said.
“We are fast heading towards a dry July, and our consumption has unfortunately remained the same. This is despite the various interventions we have launched to reduce water losses, augment water supply and reduce consumption.
“As of this morning (Monday), our combined dam levels have dropped and stand at a dire 12.09%. In the last seven days, we have managed to repair just over 1 000 water leaks, and we hope to improve on this number each week.”
Bhanga said that during this week, he would be visiting a few of our top 100 water users. These users have all been notified of their water usage and warned to reduce their consumption urgently.
“I am also pleased to announce that construction has commenced on the pipeline from Bloemendal, which will direct water to KwaNobuhle from the Nooitgedagt Water Scheme.
“KwaNobuhle receives its water solely from the Kouga Dam and is one of the first areas in the metro to run dry by July if we do not reduce water consumption.”
He added that the bilateral engagements with business will continue, and thanked the private sector for their inputs and offers of assistance, which will help repair water leaks at schools and promote sustainable water use at private sector properties.
“On tariff C charges for water – no one likes the idea of paying increased tariffs for anything, but this is a necessary measure which we had to take in the current dire circumstances.”
According to Bhanga, both National Treasury and the national Department of Water and Sanitation had repeatedly indicated their concern that these tariffs had not been already implemented.
“Registered ATTP consumers will not be affected by these changes if they remain within their 8kl limit. The intention being to encourage a reduction in water usage. We thank those residents who are already playing their part and have reduced their water consumption – we urge those residents and businesses who have not yet adjusted their water usage behaviour to do so with haste, before it is too late and our water runs out.
“The municipal budget, which will soon be tabled, must speak to the severe drought we are experiencing and must direct resources towards tackling the crisis.
“We cannot table a budget that does not talk to the most significant risk Nelson Mandela Metro is currently facing.
“I will be writing to the president, minister of COGTA and the premier to query the decision to turn down our drought disaster declaration, as we believe that this declaration will unlock some of the logistical challenges currently experienced.
“In conclusion, I again urge water users to reduce consumption so that together we can beat a dry July.”
Ways to reduce water consumption in the home:
- Non-potable water for activities such as construction is available free of charge at Fishwater Flats Waste Water Treatment Works.
- Place a 2-litre plastic bottle full of water in the water tank of your toilet.
- If it is yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.
- When doing laundry, ensure that the machine is loaded fully before starting a cycle.
- When doing dishes, do not keep the water running to rinse.
- Use grey-water for gardening purposes
- Reduce the time you spend in the shower.
