Water transfer scheme commissioned after dams run dry

Authorities have called the situation “dire”, as level 3 restrictions require a 70% cut in water usage by the agricultural sector, 30% by domestic users and 10% by industry, Zululand Observerreported.

Presenting a district analysis of the drought last week, Mayor Thembeka Mchunu said the Goedertrouw Dam was currently sitting at 36% capacity, while the district had since stopped extraction from Melmoth and Amatikulu dams.

“Dam levels at Nsezi are very low and are not suitable for extraction. Amatikulu River is dry, and Gingindlovu is being supplied by water tankers. Old schemes are being reactivated. Six farmers have given us access to their dams. However, they are only at 60% capacity. At uMfolozi, there is no water source available. We have drilled nine boreholes, and only four yielded results. Old schemes are being supplied from boreholes in Ntambanana,” she added.

The mayor said a transfer scheme from the Chennels Farm Dam would be commissioned on Tuesday to yield 0.5 mega litre (ML), with a total of 1.5ML to relieve eShowe this week.

“We are also reinstating the Mpushini Weir, which is being recommissioned after 30 years. This will yield about 1ML. The old weir at Mtunzini will be activated and commissioned this week. uThungulu has drilled between 18-23 boreholes in various areas. While some are giving a good yield, the water quality is unsatisfactory. No reticulation can take place without a suitable treatment method in place for the boreholes,” said Mchunu.

The level 3 water restrictions will be implemented in the uMfolozi, Ntambanana, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni and Nkandla municipalities.

– Caxton News Service