Dam levels continue to decline in KwaZulu-Natal
The Goedertrouw Dam near eShowe, which is Mhlathuze Water’s main source, has continued its ongoing water level decline, shifting to 51,5% last week.
The dam, which supplies water to the greater Richards Bay area, was at 51, 8% in the previous week.
Pongolapoort Dam in Jozini went down to 40,7% last week, a drop of 0.2% from the previous week.
Albert-Falls Dam, one of KZN’s biggest dams, declined to 33,7% from 32,9% while Hazelmere Dam shifted to 41,9%. Spring Grove Dam also recorded a below average rate of 45,8%, from last week’s 48%.
Meanwhile, the Mearns Dam on the Mdloti River recorded a slight increase from 49,8% to 50,1%. The Zaaihoek Dam remains unchanged at 59,8%.
Request to be water-wise
The declining levels in local dams has prompted the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to issue a plea for communities to use water sparingly.
Earlier this month, the department stated the decline was ‘extremely concerning’, particularly as
temperatures rise during the spring season, compounded by the effects of climate change.
“We are expecting that things will get worse before they get better,” said department of water and sanitation’s Sputnik Ratau.
“We acknowledge that many parts of the province are still without water. We are working very closely with local government and water boards to speedily implement long-term measures to address water scarcity.”
This follows calls by DWS Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, for chairpersons of all water boards to fight any corrupt activity.
She urges them to use ‘every cent to ensure that the local government and water service authorities are provided with bulk water necessary for them to distribute to the people of South Africa’.
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