MUNICIPAL water service officials have been instructed to accelerate the implementation of all water pressure and control management measures as the water consumption level of above 280 million litres per day is still too high.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure and Engineering, Councillor Thsonono Buyeye said these measures include the installation of water restrictors among high water users, water flow restrictors and zonal water pressure management valves.
“Practical steps must be implemented and what makes me unable to sleep at night is the fact that we are running against time.
“We do have medium to long term plans, but they will not rescue us from the reality of dry taps if we are not drastic and aggressive in our approach,” added MMC Buyeye.
Although intensive work is being done to change water behavioural patterns within Nelson Mandela Bay metropole, more practical measures must be applied.
“It is time to accept the reality that we are a water scarce metropole and province. Our thinking, behaviour and plans in both municipality and in our homes must bear this in mind.
“If we are to secure our economic future, we need to work together on this,” said MMC Buyeye.
Intermittent water supply has started in areas like KwaNobuhle and Western Suburbs areas like Lorraine, Westering, Rowallan Park, St Albans and the surrounding areas.
In anticipation of dry taps, water tanks donated by the Department of Water and Sanitation have been installed in KwaNobuhle with 10 water tanker trucks on standby.
MMC Buyeye said Nelson Mandela Bay metropole can no longer afford to use water at the current consumption levels and the culture that exists in relation to water usage.
“We urge all residents to save water and cut consumption to avoid dry taps and secure the future of the metropole. We are also told that no significant rain can be expected any time soon,” concluded MMC Buyeye.
– ISSUED: NMBM
