Ballito businesses adapting to restrictions

While holidaymakers have not been put off yet by the prospect of water restrictions, at least a few local businesses have taken action to cut their water usage.

Some Ballito businesses have been affected more than others by the water restrictions.

The Engen garage on the corner of Douglas Crowe and the M4 took proactive steps to save water.

Owners Rajesh Ramperthab and Mark Jason had a water recycling system installed about three months ago.

Ramperthab said it was worth forking out the R200 000 for the system and they are now able to wash up to 100 cars per day without dipping into their municipal supply.

The garage has also been harvesting rain water which can be used to supplement the car wash should it become necessary.

However the BP garage has closed its car wash.

“We did not want to risk getting fined,” said manager Janet Visagie.

She said luckily they have not suffered a great loss to date and their customers understand why the car wash had to halt operations.

So far none of the holiday accommodation agencies have reported any cancellations for December.

Cecilia Patricio of Ballito Estates and Lorraine Parsons of Parsons Holiday Letting said their clients have expressed concerns over the water crisis but so far none have cancelled their reservations.

Sembcorp Siza Water public relations officer Khosi Mathenjwa said they have issued seven fines to date and 22 cases are under investigation.

When finalised the fines will be charged to the monthly account of the consumer. Most fines issued are a result of the work of Sembcorp inspectors, the media and alerts from consumers.

The minimum fine for wasting water is R3000.