Stringent water restrictions for Lydenburg
Even if the town receives rain within the next week, it will still not make much of a difference to the dam’s water level.
LYDENBURG – Strict water restrictions have been implemented with immediate effect by Thaba Chweu Municipality (TCM).
This follows after the newspaper published an article relating to a drastic drop in Lydenburg Dam’s water levels last week. Communications officer from TCM, Mr Puleng Mapheto said that the municipality was hereby giving notice to the public about the implementation of water-usage restrictions with immediate effect until further notice.
“No watering of gardens and lawns are allowed. Residents are also not allowed to fill swimming pools and no washing of cars and pavements, using hosepipes are permitted. All illegal car washers are restricted from using clean, drinkable water, and taps should not be left running.” Mapheto said the Lydenburg Dam, the town’s main supply was running dry, making water shortages in town a serious threat.
“Violations of water-use restrictions will result in penalties. Any person who violates the by-law and these restrictions will face prosecution, penalties or a fine as per the municipal by-laws and Water Act. Municipal by-law enforcers will be on the ground monitoring compliance thereof.” He said that the municipality urged all residents and community members to conserve as much water as possible.
“Let us make use of all the conservation tips such as taking short showers, washing cars using buckets, closing the taps while brushing your teeth, repairing all water leaks in our households and reporting all municipal leaks to the municipality.”
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Ohrigstad Dam is at four per cent capacity and the Kwena Dam in the Badfontein region is at 34,8 per cent. Lydenburg Dam, which supplies Lydenburg and Mashishing, is at 63,5 per cent capacity and dropping drastically.
TCM made this decision on account of its own observations relating to the water levels for Lydenburg and Mashishing. A weather forecast by Eldorado County Weather also indicates warm temperatures for the next 10 days with only a 60 per cent chance of rain.
Even if the town receives rain within the next week, it will still not make much of a difference to the dam’s water level. Water wastage can be reported to the municipality on 013-235-7389/1788 during office hours.
