WHILE water restrictions may be kept at bay for residents on the Berea, for now, eThekwini municipality is looking at various ways to deal with the drought which includes the roll out of a new device that will reduce water consumption in households.
eThekwini municipality spokesman, Thulani Mbatha, said the drought situation was very dynamic which forced the city to continually adapt and alter their priorities in dealing with the changing situation.
“For the rollout of water restrictor discs, we are targeting areas where the supply zone is not achieving the required 15 per cent reduction of consumption, which is mandatory for all consumers to whom we supply water,” he explained. According to Mbatha, consumer behaviour and water demand for each supply zone alters from week to week. “We need to remain flexible and respond to the high priority areas at that time hence we cannot provide a long term static schedule for the rollout of restrictor discs, as our priority areas are changing constantly. Continuous engagement with the community is in place and as and when the restrictor discs are installed in their area they are informed through their respective ward councillors,” he said.
The City has independent plumbing contractors on its plumbing contract roster, who are allocated a shift, and then rotated. This list is continually rolled over so that the work is shared fairly between all the certified plumbing contractors on the roster.
“All certified contract plumbers have eThekwini Plumbing Contractor identification cards. Residents are welcome to ask to see this when contractors are working on their connection. Plumbing contractors are engaged through an open and transparent process which they undergo to be certified,” he added.
The municipality urged residents to continue reporting any water leaks, illegal connections or surcharging sewage issues immediately to their call centre 0801313013, especially recurrent issues that occur during or immediately after periods of heavy rain. The city is also trying to curb water pipeline bursts as the conservation of water has always been a priority. Residents can also use the number 083 707 3013 to SMS when reporting water leaks or email Eservices@durban.gov.za.
How the device works:
The Water Restricting disc is simply a tool to assist the community to reduce their water consumption.
“The water restricting discs which are being installed are simply a plastic disc with a small, usually 1.5mm diameter, hole in it. This is installed into the supply pipe near the customer’s water meter. It slows the rate at which water will flow into the customer’s house, but will not stop it. The effect the customer notices will be a drop in pressure, resulting in water flowing out of the tap slower than before,” Mbatha explained.
Residents are still required to use less water and ensure that they practically cut back on their water usage extensively by eliminating usage of water in instances where it is possible and use as less as possible for those that are a necessity.
Berea councillors urge residents to be water wise
Ward 27 Councillor, Martin Meyer said one of his concerns from the start was that communication on the devices was very poor. “Councillors have not been given the information required and as such are unable to prepare residents as well as assist the city in making sure everything runs smoothly. From my side I know that many residents have been taking steps to lessen their consumption by the required 15%, and I urge residents who have not yet taken steps to do so urgently, not only for the well-being of our city, but also to prevent these restrictors from being installed in their homes,” he said.
Meyer said two basic steps that are affective in restricting water consumption was to place a brick in the toilet’s cistern, and to use a bucket to catch water in the shower. “This can be used in your garden, your pot plants, or to fill your cistern meaning less water is being used,” he added.
Councillor Nicole Graham of Ward 33 also had no information about the roll out of these discs in her ward. “They are however,necessary for the city to achieve their water saving targets. This is a very serious matter and we encourage all residents to achieve the 15% reduction required in their own homes to prevent further restrictions,” she said.
Councillor Jethro Leferve of Ward 31 told Berea Mail, while councillors “are in the dark” about the device, he felt strongly that the initiative should be rolled out urgently.
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