An urgent call has been made for all residents to radically cut their water usage as the crippling drought bites into scarce water reserves.
Coupled with load shedding, a pump failure and an ageing infrastructure, Umzinyathi District Municipality and uThukela Water (who are responsible for bulk water supply) are doing all they can to keep the water running – however, Pradeep Ramlall, support services manager with Umzinyathi, says it is a fine balancing act.
Keep water usage down. Let’s all play our part in saving water as there is no alternative resource to water,” he told a press conference.
“We have asked uThukela Water not to carry out any other maintenance to allow us to pump water. Reducing water pressure also reduces water loss due to seepage and leaks. Do not water your garden. Our water situation is in I.C.U.”
The rural areas are especially hard hit and 30 water trucks have been hard at work delivering water to the communities.
Asked about long-term plans, Mr Ramlall said Government approval for R1,2-billion pipeline to access water from Chelmsford dam to the Biggarsberg Water Treatment works ‘is already 50% complete’.  See Courier on Wednesday for more details.