WATER: Dam still at critical level
Recent rains have made little difference to water reserves.
CHELMSFORD – Recent rains have barely increased the level of the Ntshingwayo/ Chelmsford Dam.
The continued strain on so-called water stressed areas has prompted uThukela Water to again call on residents to use water sparingly.
Read: Veld fire at Chelmsford
The time for relaxation of conservation initiatives is not now.
Customer Relations Manager for the bulk water entity, Dr Dumisani Thabethe said water remained a scarce resource, and that conservation was a lifestyle and not an event.
“Saving water is a responsibility for all, and it begins with you and me.”
At around this time one year ago, the dam stood at 59.5 per cent of its capacity.
Last week, the critically low dam level of 40.8 per cent was elevated by about two per cent after rains, but has already dropped to just over 41 per cent as of Tuesday.
Dr Thabethe confirmed the dire water situation had not changed.
He urged residents to report water wastage though means of the official 24-hour call centre, on 086 014 4144.
Also read: Joy and fear as rivers rise
“[This number has] a voice recording device in case of disputes or misunderstandings between the complainant and the call centre agent.”
Dr Thabethe said it was vital to insist upon a reference number when logging a complaint.
The reference number helped uThukela Water and the municipality to trace and follow up on delayed responses to complaints.
“The municipality appreciates the cooperation from our customers, in reducing consumption patterns and taking responsibility to report wastage.”
