Optimism as water levels rise

MALALANE – “We are not out of the woods as yet.” This is according to Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM) spokesman, Mr Cyril Ripinga, regarding the town’s water crisis.

This comes after a steady rise in the water level in the Crocodile River, which has enabled the municipality to provide an uninterrupted supply to residents.

With positive indications of it raining, Ripinga said NLM was confident that the river would pick up every soon, however, residents still needed to assist and continue saving water.

“Until the river returns to its normal state, I think we all need to be mindful of how we use water.

“Yes, the situation has and is improving, and I believe this is because of the calls we have been making to the public. And we are grateful that they are taking the matter to heart.”

Ripinga went on to thank the public and local businesses such as Malelane SUPERSPAR for being understanding and heeding the municipality’s call to not water their gardens.

According to the spokesman, the situation is currently stable, but still critical.

“We have seen great improvement over the past week following various efforts by ourselves and other stakeholders. We still need to allow the river to fully recover.”

Ripinga added that fines would still be issued to those who fail to comply with the call to stop the watering of gardens.

“Like we announced last week, law-enforcement officers will be going out looking for those who are failing to comply with the restrictions.”

On Tuesday evening the clouds opened up and there was enough rain to assist the Crocodile River in recovering.