Water restrictions loom amid plans for Day Zero

LYDENBURG – In the wake of insufficient rainfall, come next week, Thaba Chweu Local Muncipality (TCLM) said that they will be issuing water restrictions for the town and surrounding areas.

For the same reason, the DA has also issued a motion to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to ensure that a necessary contingency plan for water usage is implemented by TCLM.

DA member of parliament Sonja Boshoff delivered this motion, which was accepted unopposed by any opposing parties, including the ANC. In this motion, Boshoff states that the dam level of the town is still a major concern and water is declining rapidly.

Boshoff said, “We further note that even though TCLM officials are tasked with the day-to-day operations of service delivery, as well as to provide a contingency plan to residents to ensure they are aware of the dire situation, the municipality has to have an alternate plan of action in place to have an address this matter, which could see many residents soon sitting high and dry.”

She said TCLM should take the necessary steps to inform residents of the situation to ensure that no one is left without water. The DA’s concern is not without cause, as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a press release indicating that rainfall forecast for early summer (November, December and January) predicts enhanced probabilities of below-normal rainfall over the eastern part of the country (Mpumalanga and Limpopo).

It also stated that higher than normal temperatures are expected this summer. “Additionally, the predicted high temperatures, in addition to the recent heatwaves, will lead to heat stress and have an impact on human and animal health.

“During this period, an increased energy demand for cooling and groundwater pumping will most likely be expected. The predicted climate conditions echo government’s calls that water users and communities should apply water-saving and conservation strategies to sustain the limited water resources.”

SAWS also stated; “There is low soil moisture currently available to support crop planting and growth. If these conditions persist, they are likely to impact on available soil moisture, water availability for irrigation, and increased heat stress on livestock.”

Steelburger/Lydenburg News asked TCLM whether they will be implementing such plans as accepted by the NCOP. Themba Sibiya, communications manager at TCLM, said the municipality is yet to be informed about the NCOP motion.

“The dam level is very low and poses a real threat to the adequate water supply to the town. It is for this reason that the municipality has embarked on a water-saving campaign to raise awareness amongst residents. In the face of the weather reports suggesting an expected delay in the summer rainfall, the municipality will in next week issue out water use restrictions as a short-term measure. These will be regularly monitored to ensure compliance.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Years ago, there was already a solution put in place should the town face a possible drought or water shortage. Just beneath the town runs a very large underground water shaft on the east side of the town and a lot of boreholes have been sunk into this shaft.

Years ago the municipality sunk six boreholes for emergency water, which could be relayed to supply the town with water. The pumps have, however, since been stolen, but it could be reconnected and serve as a possible solution.

Sibiya said the boreholes that TCLM is aware of are not older than 10 years and are part of those which are to be refurbished. “To this effect consultants have been appointed to determine the refurbishment cost. The process is complete and a report has been tabled which will be used to solicit funds.

Other measures will be announced in due course to deal with the security of the water supply in town and Mashishing for the long term. It should also be noted that the municipality does dispatch water tankers to affected sections as an additional measure.”