Water restrictions for Ladysmith

Owing to the prolonged dry spell Ladysmith has been facing, the Klip River has dried up considerably.

uThukela District Municipality has officially announced that water restrictions will begin on Friday (September 19). Every household will be limited to 600 litres of water a day.

Anyone caught washing cars, watering gardens and lawns, or filling swimming pools will face a minimum fine of R2000. These restrictions will only apply to households, and not businesses at this time. Water-intensive businesses will be exempt for the time being. A decision to lift the restrictions will be made when the river reaches a satisfactory level that allows pumping. Rain in Ladysmith will not necessarily mean that restrictions will be lifted.

Only rain in the catchment area will affect the restrictions. uThukela Deputy Water Operations Manager Mr Glen Singh would like to thank the community in advance for heeding the water restrictions and regarding the issue in a serious light. If the situation does not get better, more stringent restrictions will be put in place. Mr Singh also appeals to business houses to practise water conservation and water demand management as much as possible.