Durban escapes stringent water rationing
Water rationing has not yet reached Durban and surrounds, says the municipality.
RESIDENTS living in Durban and surrounding areas will not be affected by water rationing just yet. This comes after the eThekwini municipality announced it had begun water rationing measures to ensure an equitable supply of water during the current drought.
“At this stage water rationing will only affect areas in the North and if there are any changes, those changes will be communicated accordingly. If there are any water problems in areas outside of the schedule, those should be treated as a normal fault and reported to the call centre,” said Tozi Mthethwa, head of communications at eThekwini Municipality.
The water level at Hazelmere Dam, which supplies some parts of the North, is currently at 30 per cent and is decreasing at a rate of one per cent every four days.
Areas affected by water rationing include Verulam, Waterloo, Sibaya Casino, Ottawa, Ballito, Westbrook, Southridge, Temple Valley, Redcliffe, Canelands, Riyadh, Cornerstone Ridge, Missionlands, Cottonlands, Mount Moreland, La Mercy, Seatides, Westbrook, Oaklands and Parkgate.
The water supply to the affected areas is isolated on a daily basis for about six hours as the City is being restricted supply from Umgeni Water by 30 per cent with immediate effect. Restriction will progress to 50 per cent in the coming weeks to extend the supply of Hazelmere Dam for as long as possible until the rain comes.
Mayor James Nxumalo has appealed to residents and businesses in the affected areas to cooperate with the municipality and reduce water consumption.
“Let’s all play our part in ensuring that we reduce water consumption to save the remaining water in the Hazelmere system. The reality is that we are facing a serious water shortage and the only alternative is for all of us to conserve water,” said Nxumalo.
He said care would be taken to ensure that hospitals, fire stations, clinics and airport were not negatively affected by implemented measures to reduce water usage.
Even though Durban is not experiencing water rationing, residents are still urged to drastically reduce water consumption. To save water consumers should avoid washing cars, filling swimming pools, should shower rather than fill the bath tub and avoid watering gardens with a hose pipe and should rather use a watering-can. Residents are also advised to reduce unnecessary flushing of toilets and avoid washing paving and roofs.
“Water is a precious resource and we all have a responsibility to ensure that we report vandalism of water infrastructure and take ownership of the water supply and abuse in our communities,” said Nxumalo.
Report leaks and bursts to 080 13 13 013 or eservices@durban.gov.za as soon as you can.
