Mayor declares an end to water-shedding
Residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief after Mayor Xolani Dube announced that water shedding will officially be suspended - with effect from today, January 15.

This decision follows the Mayor’s efforts to address water challenges to ensure a stable water supply. It is not clear as to what was done ‘to ease the water crisis’.
“Access to water is a basic human right. While we are faced with limitations, it’s our responsibility (as a municipality) to ensure that our residents receive this essential service,” the Mayor said.
For weeks, Newcastle residents, particularly those in high-rise areas, have been experiencing severe water challenges.
To mitigate the shortage, the municipality implemented a water-shedding schedule to balance the supply and demand.
“The aging and dilapidated infrastructure, illegal water connections, increased population size, and non-payment for services by some residents and businesses, have exacerbated the situation, necessitating the implementation of water shedding measures,” the municipality said.
“Following the Mayor’s intervention, it was deemed necessary to suspend water shedding. “
Mayor Dube plans to conduct further public consultations through roadshows to engage residents about water scarcity and mitigating factors to preserve water.
“As we move forward, we encourage residents to continue adopting water-saving habits to ensure a sustainable water supply.”
Here are some valuable water-saving tips:
- Report and fix leaking taps and toilets
- Avoid using hoses for gardening and lawn maintenance
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean hard surfaces
- Turn off taps while brushing teeth, washing hair, shaving, or washing dishes
- Take shallow baths or switch to two-minute showers
- Only do washing when there are enough items for a full load
- Install water-saving devices to reduce usage and leakage
Residents can report water and sewer-related complaints to 087 740 8839 and electrical complaints to 034 328 4700 during office hours.
After-hours complaints can be reported to 079 542 8228.
For updates on this matter, please follow Newcastle Municipality on Facebook.
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