Word from water service provider Uthukela District Municipality is that water restrictions are still in place. This may be scoffed at by most residents, who in the past months have witnessed widespread water wastage in and around Estcourt.

Illegal car washes, leaking and burst water pipes coupled with uncontrolled use of water can be easily spotted, with slow or sometimes, no action, being taken. Despite this, the district municipality has issued a statement, reiterating that water restrictions are in place.

“The KZN MEC for CoGTA Nomsa Dube declared KZN a drought stricken province during the early months of 2015. Suffice to say, the situation has not improved in the recent months therefore causing water restrictions to not subside, despite the fact that we have experience some rainfalls lately in most parts of the UThukela District.

“The public therefore should be aware that water restrictions cannot be alleviated at this juncture. Furthermore that the situation will worsen should we not receive sufficient rainfall during this summer season to replenish our rivers and dams,” commented spokesperson Jabulani Mkhonza.

He describes the water shortage as ‘critical’ and advises all residents to use water sparingly.

“Car washes, filing up of swimming pools, use of sprinkler systems and the watering of gardens will still have restrictions until further notice. The public should bear with us as we try our utmost best to manage the situation,” added Mr Mkhonza.