Water restrictions for Nkomazi remain in place
Although dam levels have slightly improved compared to previous months, farmers in certain areas of Nkomazi are still worried about whether they will have enough water to last until the rainy season.
MALALANE – Water users will have to continue to use the resource sparingly to ensure it lasts until the first rainfall in summer, despite dam levels looking better than the same time last year.
On April 10, Kwena Dam was at 70,3 per cent and Driekoppies Dam at 46,7 compared to last year’s 48,3 and 43,4 per cent.
According to the Inkomati-Usuthu Water Management Agency (IUCMA), Kwena has improved since 2016. Last year the dam was rapidly emptying, while it is filling up this year.
READ: Croc River dangerously low
The improvements are reportedly due to the results of Tropical Cyclone Dineo and the tropical depression rainfall experienced across the catchment area in February.
Long-term forecast projections indicate that the Crocodile Catchment still needs to overcome the drought.
Water users should take note that restrictions in the Crocodile Catchment, which includes Nkomazi, will remain in place until further notice. This includes the 20 per cent restriction on domestic and 60 per cent on irrigation in the Crocodile River and the 60 per cent irrigation restriction being imposed by Kobwa in the Lower Komati Catchment.
IUCMA encourages water users to adhere to these restrictions and says it will continue to monitor usage, ensure compliance and enforce the restrictions where necessary as winter is approaching.
READ: Small farmers and goverment discuss toll of drought
According to the SA Weather Service’s forecasting system, the forecast for April to August is mixed. There are indications that the region will receive above-normal rainfall.
IUCMA says it will take some time for the areas around the Crocodile River and Lower Komati to recover from drought conditions, due to the small catchment draining into the Kwena and Driekoppies dams.
People are urged to continue saving water as the effects of the drought are still an issue.
