Newcastle still affected by drought conditions
Heeding the call for intervention, the municipality confirmed it had been assisting surrounding areas with water for some time.
While dam levels are on the verge of the 60 per cent capacity marker, Newcastle’s water worries are far from over.
Despite recent rainfalls, Newcastle Municipality is still encouraging residents to take precautionary measures to circumvent further restrictions.
According to Water Services Customer Relations Manager, Doctor Dumisani Thabethe, emerging farmers have been severely affected by the prevailing drought. In addition, he said water tankers had to be dispatched to the Charlestown area for three months in an attempt to provide relief.
Heeding the call for intervention, the municipality confirmed it had been assisting surrounding areas with water for some time.
“Newcastle Municipality is supplying water to Utrecht under Amajuba District Municipality,” he said. “The DWS (Department of Water and Sanitation) also releases raw water from Ntshingwayo Dam to Umzinyathi District Municipality.”
Donations were also made towards a facility for the elderly in Vryheid, as well as the Operation Hydrate project.
The crisis continues
Dr Thabethe claimed if the situation persisted ‘indefinitely’, food prices would likely increase, adding more pressure to the average consumer’s pocket.
If supplies dwindle any further, the municipality will have no other choice but to impose more stringent restrictions.
“We are currently implementing [a] 30 per cent reduction in water production,” he said. “Saving water should not be seen as an event, but [rather] a lifestyle.”
Dr Thabethe said Newcastle residents should make it their responsibility to report water leaks and burst pipes via the 086 014 4144 hotline.
“They must also take it upon themselves to save each and every drop of water for their own good,” he concluded.
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