TOUR operators, tour guides, accommodations, B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, eateries, shisanyama/lounges and community tourism organisations in the city convened to discuss the City’s strategy of managing water demand during the implementation of water curtailment that the City started a week ago.

The tourism sector was reassured that there would be no water shutdown, however, stakeholders were urged to continue using water sparingly during this period.

uMngeni-uThukela Water executive operations manager Phokola Maponya said the main objective of the water curtailment is to proactively manage water resources and prevent the need for more drastic measures in the future. He said the curtailment will only reduce the volume of water abstracted from the uMngeni system to their licensed volumes of 470 million megalitres per annum (m3/annum), meaning a reduction on the current sales and abstraction volume of 8.4%.

Also read: No water cuts schedule – eThekwini Municipality

Sandile Cele from the City’s Water and Sanitation Unit said that to ensure residents are not adversely affected, the City is implementing interventions, such as installing and replacing water meters for unmetered consumers, managing water pressure, and improving the turnaround time to repair leaks though the deployment of ward-based plumbers. He urged everyone to use water sparingly to ensure that there would be enough water available in the future.

“Tourists and visitors coming to Durban can be assured that these measures will not impact on their experience and enjoyment of the vibrant city during the festive season. Durban Tourism is committed to actively engaging with the tourism and hospitality industry to raise awareness and educate them about saving water, especially with the expected influx of visitors this holiday season,” assured Cele.

Implementation of water curtailment is currently in place until October 2025.

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