KZN faces the driest year since 1990
"Today we plead with the community to work with us and help us save Newcastle from experiencing the drought that is threatening our town and conserve water,"
KwaZulu-Natal is knee-deep in one of the worst droughts of the century.
According to researchers, the country is facing its driest year since 1990; a phenomenon stakeholders could not possibly predict.
In a recent media statement, KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Nomusa Dube-Ncube, said the province’s water crisis demands ‘unprecedented action’.
“We face a harrowing future if we do not take extraordinary measures to conserve the remaining water,” said Ms Dube-Ncube.
Amid the crisis, Newcastle Municipality has continuously urged the residents of Newcastle east and west to use water sparingly.
“Today we plead with the community to work with us and help us save Newcastle from experiencing the drought that is threatening our town and conserve water,” read a statement issued by the municipality.
Furthermore, it was stated the effects of the prevailing drought are serious and should be treated as such.
Mayor, Afzul Rehman said while the municipality is not currently under immediate threat, low rainfalls across the province put Newcastle in danger of water shortages.
“Our wish to Newcastle water customers is that they will use water sparingly, make sure leaks are reported and fixed by the municipality and consciously save water,” he explained.
According to national media reports, about 130 000 animals have died as a direct result of the worsening drought. To date, the province has reportedly been declared a ‘disaster area’.
A budget of R352-million has been set aside by the national disaster fund and the Department of Water and Sanitation. However, media houses claimed R1.5-billion is required to assist municipalities across the province.
Should the land’s thirst go unquenched, water cuts will likely be unavoidable. If the drought persists and water cuts become necessary, restrictions will be implemented according to local council bylaws.
While Newcastle is not yet affected by water rationing or shortages, residents are advised to continue saving water for the benefit of the province.
