Local farmers and other interested parties met at the Umzinyathi council chambers last week to discuss the way ahead with regard to the water crisis in the district. Norman Ward, from Water Affairs, addressed the meeting, which was chaired by the Umzinyathi District Mayor, Rev James Mtethwa. Mr. Ward told the meeting that the situation, with regard to the current drought in the province, was critical, and ‘everybody would have to apply their minds on how to address this matter.’
“There is no more water,” was his blunt assessment and informed the farmers that no allocation would be made this winter for irrigation water. A small percentage is allocated for domestic use, but that was it.
The water released from the Chelmsford dam was by special allowance from the Department, as the Buffalo River was empty, leading to problems at the pumping station at Tayside, which in turn was exacerbated by load shedding.
‘There is water, but all had already been allocated, and there is no spare water to waste. Pressure reduction is continuing in Dundee and Glencoe, which will also cause further inconvenience to higher situated domestic properties,” he said.
The large number of farmers was quite positive and agreed to approach this issue from a collective base, especially to look at future endeavours that may prevent the district from running out of water again. Follow-up meetings will take place in the near future, and for now everybody should use water sparingly.