The immediate threat of a local water crisis is over.
This statement was made by Luiz Cunha, acting Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer for uThukela Water, in response to a series of questions from the Newcastle Advertiser.
And this response comes with a warning for all consumers.
Mr Cunha explained while the level of the Chelmsford/Ntshingwayo Dan was just over 95 per cent, all should be cognizant of the dry winter season on its way.
“The water storage capacities of the Umzinyathi area are still very low, and consequently, the ability of the Buffalo River to solely sustain this region is questionable, based on current and historic water supply figures.”
The region is reliant on a constant steady release from the dam to augment the Buffalo River flow, he added, in order to supply water to many communities.
National rainfall predictions have cast a shadow on the coming winter period.
“[It] warns that we must be vigilant and mindful of the current erratic and extreme weather patterns being experienced throughout the country, and that we have to manage and conserve our scarce water resources accordingly.”
By that measure, national Government had not yet officially lifted the current water restrictions, and Mr Cunha urged residents to be cautions and sparing with water use.
“The message to residents would be that water is a scarce resource; use it efficiently and sparingly at all times.”
Given the far-reaching effects of the drought last year, the uThukela Water board and the Water Services Authorities have a Bulk Water Services Master Plan in place.
This plan is bring driven in conjunction with provincial and national Master Plans.
“These plans include the maximising of existing water resources, the development of future water resources, and the assurance of water supply in the region.”
Looking ahead, Mr Cunha reiterated that going into the dry winter period, no rain was expected in normal circumstances.
Seasonal cold fronts may provide occasional rain at best.
“These are unpredictable and unseasonal winter rains cannot be relied on to any extent,” he concluded.
