The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has cautiously welcomed
the rechannelling of water overflowing from the Gariep and Vanderkloof Dams into
the Algoa Bay Water System.
On Thursday, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) announced
that the dams that supply water to Nelson Mandela Bay will benefit from
overflowing dams such as the Gariep and Vanderkloof, following recent heavy
rains that were experienced in the northern side of the country.
In a press statement released by the DWS, it was stated that
the water will be rechannelled through the 82-kilometre-long Orange Fish
Tunnel.
“When these two biggest dams in the country are
bursting at the seams, they spill water into Orange River, through the Orange
Fish Tunnel, that was built to divert water from the river down to Fish River,
all the way to Port Elizabeth,” DWS Director for Media Liaison, Sputnik
Ratau, said in the statement.
Currently the Nelson Mandela Bay combined dam levels are
sitting just above 18%.
Kouga Dam is at 8%, Impofu at 17%, Kromriver’s levels are 50.5%,
Loerie stands at 68.6% and Groendal at 39.2% The current overall consumption in
the metro varies between 280ML to 300ML, far exceeding the 250ML expected with
the current water restrictions.
“The metro welcomes this additional water into our system.
The water will be received through the Nooitgedacht Water Treatment Works in
the eastern side of the City. It will then be pushed to be integrated into the
western side, which is the most affected by the current drought and low dam
levels,” MMC for Infrastructure and Engineering, Masixole Zinto, said.
“Although we would like the heavy rains to have been
received within the Algoa Water System catchment areas, any additional water is
welcomed. The current drought has not only affected our water distribution to
residents, but also had negative effects in the ailing metro’s economy,” Zinto
added.
He mentioned that the metro’s efforts to ‘save every drop’
have been accelerated. “Our priority area is fixing water leaks at a shortest
possible turnaround time. Although I am not yet satisfied with the speed, the
improvement has already been visible.”
Zinto also warned against complacency following the news of
the rechannelling of water from the Gariep and Vanderkloof Dams’ overflow. “We are far from
the red zone. We must make every effort to save water: in our homes, workplaces,
schools and public areas.
“The collaboration we have with the private sector,
specifically the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber in our water campaigns and
efforts, has also been encouraging. An effort from each and every one of us
collectively can make a huge difference.”
He also highlighted the fact that the Nooitgedacht
Water Treatment Works was not yet in full capacity as construction is still
underway. “Under the current restrictions, a person can only use up to 50
litres per day. Washing cars with a hose pipe is not allowed. Residents are
encouraged to recycle grey water for irrigation. Residents are also not allowed
to fill swimming pools with municipal tap water.”
Issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications
Office
