Drought is cause of shortage, nothing else

In response to “Drought of Action” (Courier, February 13) there is presently a drought affecting some parts of KwaZulu-Natal, including the Hazelmere catchments. The affected areas are in a crisis situation and there is evidence to support this.
Data regarding rainfall and storage trends of dams indicate that the areas are being subjected to typical El Nino climatic conditions. The declaration  of a drought is a process and last year had the lowest recorded rainfall in 30 years at Hazelmere.
Umgeni Water cannot agree with the statement that it is responsible for the present restrictions. As a water services provider it has a master plan that caters for the current future demands of the northern supply areas and a 30-year capital expenditure programme for future expected organic growth. What is currently being experiencing is a natural phenomenon that is difficult to plan for.
Umgeni Water has a long history of excellence in water quality and supply. It reports to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on its performance, and has service level agreements with the customers it supplies potable water in bulk. The writer can be assured that the water supply shortage is due to the drought and nothing else.
Restrictions are necessary to ensure that the dwindling resources can be stretched as far as possible. The application of restrictions was in response to current water shortages, and has no connection or relevance to “spin doctoring”. There is evidence that the restrictions have assisted in meeting the demands of the communities in the North.
The emergency pipeline between the uTongathi River and Hazelmere dam is one of many options being considered. Restrictions were the first mitigation. The uTongathi pipeline is the second and if the situation worsens, Umgeni Water has other options.  What the writer must also take cognisance of is that the situation is constantly changing. Storage at Hazelmere dam is recovering due to the recent good rainfall and Umgeni Water does not need to supply the entire North Coast from the emergency scheme.
Water resource planning for organic growth must not be confused with drought planning. The raising of Hazelmere wall will boost storage capacity that will allow for greater assurance of supply. But in times of protracted drought, water shortages can still be experienced.
Umgeni Water performs operation and maintenance of the Hazelmere dam on behalf of DWS. Currently there are no structural integrity challenges. Dam maintenance is up to date. DWS has recognised that the wall will have to be anchored if it is to be raised. This is not a maintenance issue, but rather a requirement to ensure structural integrity.
Umgeni Water has already implemented many capex projects on the North Coast to mitigate demand growth. These include the Hazelmere upgrade project, as well as the R1.4 billion Lower Thukela bulk water supply scheme which will be commissioned in 2016 and will enable an additional supply 55Ml/d of bulk potable water.
These projects will ensure that Umgeni Water’s infrastructure has capacity to supply the demand required. Climate change is currently impacting on the ability of WSPs worldwide. The question is whether the impact of climate change is avoidable given the fact that it is a natural phenomenon. The recent drought is unique in that it could not be predicted from the historical rainfall trends. Risk assessments done on the water resources within the Hazelmere catchments are weighted heavily by the probability of occurrence and, therefore, the risk was rated low. Should the frequency of droughts increase, the risk will also increase and this will inform future resource planning .
Umgeni Water knows and appreciates the importance of excellence in service and product provision and, therefore, employs highly experienced and skilled professionals to achieve its strategies and objectives.
SHAMI HARICHUNDER (Corporate Stakeholder Manager)
Pietermaritzburg
Letter shortened – Editor.