Since many districts in the province have been experiencing drought, Uthukela District Municipality has put certain interventions in place to keep businesses active during this trying time. Early last week public notices were issued to local car wash owners requesting them to close their businesses for three days.

Afraid that the town may face water shedding if they do not comply with the intervention “some” obliged as requested with immediate effect. Car wash owners stated it’s also a very stressful time as employees will be celebrating Christmas soon and need each day’s earnings.

Locals were left outraged when other legal and illegal car washes continued to operate. “It is a challenge washing our customer’s cars using water from buckets, it angers me knowing I am honestly following the rules whereas the rest do not bother,” exclaimed Mrs Khan from Wash n Shine Car Wash. Car wash owners feel it is unfair that no uThukela District Municipality employee monitored the compliance requested by the municipality. “The lady issuing the notices left no contact details; before leaving she told me that a copy of the form I completed and signed will be made available,” said Mrs Khan.

Recipients of the public notice were made aware that anyone who contravenes the requirements of the notice will be liable to a R2 500 fine as they will be going against Section 57 of the Water Service By-laws of the uThukela District Municipality.

“Loyal customers had to be sent away, a large income was lost for those three days and my staff members are also greatly affected. As dams and rivers are reaching critical levels, I was willing to comply with the request even though it was hard to swallow at first,” said Mr Malek from Malek’s Service Station and Car Wash.

Mr Malek added: “I contacted the uThukela District Municipality and complained. In turn, I was told to go get them proof that businesses have not being complying with the request, which is not my duty but theirs.” The above concerns have been relayed the uThukela District Municipality office, no response was received at the time of going to print.

Some of the water restrictions put in place are:
• No watering of gardens
• No filling of swimming pools
• No use of sprinkler systems
• No washing of vehicles using hosepipes at home
• No illegal car wash businesses allowed
• The water supply will be closed at certain times for both business and domestic consumers.

The municipality urges residents to reduce water use to sustain a continuous water supply.