Despite stories doing the rounds, especially on social media, the metro has not relaxed water restrictions.
On the contrary, Ekurhuleni is one of the municipalities that has yet to reach the required 15 per cent water saving, as imposed by national government.
Water savings are monitored on a weekly basis and since the implementation of the restrictions, it has yet to reach the targeted 15 per cent.
At a meeting on December 7 with the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water and municipalities, Ekurhuleni recorded an eight per cent saving, with neighbouring metropolitan municipalities, namely Johannesburg at 10.5 per cent and Tshwane at 19.5 per cent for the week.
Ekurhuleni has implemented water rationing from 9pm to 5am in the evenings in all areas according to a roster, available on the metro’s website.
Various engagements have been held with the business sector in Ekurhuleni who are responding well to the call to save water.
An appeal goes out to all residents to heed the call and pledge with the metro to save water.
In the first week of December, the Vaal Dam’s level was 37 per cent – which was due to augmentation from Katse, as well as water from Sterkfontein Dam, which will be stopped on December 22.
The restrictions will only be reviewed in May 2017.
Restrictions that apply:
- Low pressure to curb water use across the region.
- The use of hosepipes and sprinkler systems are prohibited.
- No filling of swimming pools with municipal water.
- No watering from 6am to 6pm. Thereafter only with a watering can/bucket.
- A 25kl monthly consumption limit on households. If this is exceeded, a 10 per cent fine is imposed.
Should the above not be adhered to, including illegal water connections (for example, using fire hydrants), a fine of R6 753.64 will be imposed on households per incident.
For business, this fine is R13 762.24.
Any incidents can be reported to the metro via email.
Please include a photograph, stipulate the address (GPS coordinates if available), time and details and email to savewater@ekurhuleni.gov.za
“By standing together we can ensure that we save this life-giving resource, because if we don’t there will be no water,” said Themba Gadebe, spokesman for the metro.
Residents are requested to ensure that they fix all water leaks on their properties and report those outside their properties using the following platforms.
- Metro’s call-taking centre: 0860 543 000
- SMS details to 30788.
- Email to Call.Centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za
- Twitter @EMM_Call_Centre
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