Water restrictions intensify as drought conditions worsen

Consumers are reminded that the drought situation in the uThukela District is worsening by the day.

Some dams and rivers have virtually dried up, and water levels in all dams and rivers in the district have dropped drastically.

This situation calls for the intensification of water restrictions in order to save and share the little bit of water we have until this water-stress period is over.

The South African Weather Services recently predicted that this district is likely to receive its first rains mid-December.

Consumers are therefore, once again, reminded to please use water sparingly and to note that the following water restrictions are in place until further notice:

• No watering  of gardens
• No filling of swimming pools
• No use of sprinkler systems
• No washing of vehicles using hosepipes at home
• No illegal or unmetered car wash businesses allowed
• The water supply will be closed at certain times for both business and domestic consumers.

Business consumers, including car wash businesses, are requested to implement innovative water-saving measures such as recycling of used water, etc.

As part of intensifying water restrictions, high volume water users (such as car wash and car dealer businesses) are requested not to wash cars for a period of two days per week.

This request applies to car wash business in all towns, townships and rural areas in uThukela District.

Car wash businesses and car dealers situated in towns such as Ladysmith, Estcourt, Winterton, Bergville and Weenen are prohibited from washing cars on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week.

Car wash businesses operating in the townships and rural areas are prohibited from washing cars on Mondays and Wednesdays every week.

Intensified restrictions will be effective from June 20 until further notice. Defaulters will be fined without further notice.

The municipality urges consumers to reduce their water demand so as to sustain a continuous water supply during this drought.

Consumers are further requested to fix water leaks at their premises and report water leaks occurring outside their premises at uThukela’s call centre on 086-010-4257.

“Consumers should bear with us as we try our utmost best to manage the situation. The public should also note that a Drought Joint Operations Committee (DJOC) involving the National Department of Water & Sanitation, Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs, five local municipalities and other stakeholders has been established to advise the District Municipality on the management and mitigation of the drought situation,” say uThukela. The DJOC meets fortnightly.

Any person who contravenes water restrictions will be liable to pay a fine of R2000 in terms of Section 57 of the Water Services By-laws of uThukela District Municipality.

uThukela officials – such as Environmental Health Practitioners, Environmental Health Assistants, Water Agents and Compliance Officers – will monitor adherence to the above-mentioned water restrictions by visiting the premises of consumers and assessing compliance with restrictions.

Consumers found to be in contravention of the water restrictions will be fined as mentioned above. Further transgressions will lead to the installation of water restrictive devices to the premises and prosecution if water wastage persists.

Consumers are also encouraged to store water in containers. This will assist in terms of having enough water in their households in times of unexpected water cuts.