MALALANE – According to the Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM), the water level of the Crocodile River is currently stable, although very low.
NLM spokesman, Mr Cyril Ripinga, explained that although the water level had improved residents still needed to stop watering their gardens as the water shortage posed a serious challenge.
“The rain we had over the weekend has helped in stabilising the water level in the river, but we need residents to really stop watering their gardens and washing their vehicles. It is still critical at the moment and yes we are doing all we can to stabilise the level of water in the river,” Ripinga said.
This past Saturday most parts of the Onderberg received the first rains in months.
Last week Corridor Gazette reported that the Department of Water and Sanitation has sent water engineers to assist with the problem.
This past Wednesday engineers from Inkomati Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA), and TSB, visited the water extraction point to see what could be done.
It was found that the extraction pipe had holes and clamps were needed to seal these holes.
TSB provided the clamps, and as soon as they were installed positive results were visible.
The following day further attempts were made by the municipality to direct more water to the extraction point by extending the dam wall built in the river.
“Up to now, all efforts that have been made to remedy the situation, have yielding positive results. However, we still have to conserve water because the drought doesn’t seem to be over yet. So we are still appealing with residents to use water wisely. It is only with their help that we can manage the little water we have in order to reach a stable level once again,” Ripinga explained.
Water restrictions have been implemented in Malalane, leaving the town without water at certain hours of the day and night.
“The water is switched off for a couple of hours, and then turned back on. When the water returns, its pressure is a bit weak at some households, but it quickly returns to normal,” Ripinga added.
Corridor Gazette has also learnt that not all the areas supplied by the Crocodile River are affected by this restriction.
Areas supplied by the river include the Malalane, Mhlati Kop, Marloth Park, Hectorspruit, and Komatipoort water schemes.
