Drought tightens grip on Pretoria
The Tshwane metro has warned that ignoring water restrictions could lead to water cuts.
A water shortage is a real possibility should current restrictions be defied, the Tshwane metro warned this week.
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba also urged residents to report any contravention of water restrictions in place since 22 October.
Consumers who ignored the restrictions could face a fine of R1 000.
This followed after the SA Weather Service predicted yet another heat wave for this week – lasting until Sunday.
South Africa is facing its worst drought since 1982, with more than 2.7 million households facing water shortages across the country.
Rand Water, which supplies water to Tshwane, this week, also warned that should consumers not adhere to the existing level 2 water restrictions, it might be forced to up restrictions to level three which would mean scheduled water cuts.
“The municipality appreciates the cooperation of its customers who heeded the call to use water sparingly, however, it wishes to caution that the water situation remains dire, and therefore the customers should continue their responsible water usage,” Bokaba said.
“It has regrettably come to the city’s attention that there are some customers who are not complying with the request, which non-compliance may lead to an emergency situation of a shortage of water.”
Bokaba expressed Tshwane’s gratitude to those giving their cooperation by using water sparingly following water restrictions.
On 22 October, the metro introduced temporary water restrictions in terms of Clause 19 of the Water Supply By-Laws, Notice 468 of 24 July 2014.
This came after Rand Water issued a notice stating its supply pipeline to Gauteng’s three metros – Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni – was under severe strain due to increased water demand caused by high temperatures.
The water restrictions prohibit the following activities:
– Watering/irrigation of gardens with sprinkler systems or hosepipes between 06:00 and 18:00;
– Washing of vehicles using hosepipes; and
– Filling up of swimming pools
“The metro urges customers to report those who are contravening the By-Law to the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Call Centre on 012 358 7095/6. Offenders are liable for a spot fine of R1000, which is carried out by the TMPD’s By-Law Enforcement Unit.
Bokaba added Tshwane had recently been experiencing water leaks and had since intensified its efforts to repair or fix leaking pipes as soon as it became aware of them in order to conserve water.
Meanwhile, Water Minister Nomvula Mokonyane warned the country might be forced to reduce water supply to some areas as it battled its worst drought in decades.
Below-average rainfall in the past few months, has led to “worsening drought” and already, two of nine provinces had been declared disaster areas. As a result, the government may have to cut supply to consumers and farmers, Mokonyane said.
“Water is a constitutional right in South Africa,” she said. “What we will do is reduce the supply. Where there is no water being provided, we will augment that with water tanks,” she said.
The timing and size of cuts will depend on the rate of voluntary rationing by South Africans along with future rainfall.
South Africa is in the fourth consecutive year of drier-than-average weather, with 2015 the most severe.
The drought is caused by El Nino, a global weather pattern that denies moisture to the sub-Saharan region.
The dry weather will probably persist through the remainder of this year and into March, a period when the country normally gets most of its rain, according to the weather service.
“Little relief is anticipated in the coming months,” the minister said.
The drought was straining water systems supplying about 18% of the country’s 53 million people, Mokonyane said.
Monday marked the second day of a heat wave in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the eastern parts of North West.
Citizens have been urged to stay hydrated and those working outdoors have been advised to take water breaks and cool off in the shade or for about 30 minutes.
Domestic animals will also suffer from the excessive heat.
A high pressure system currently dominates the upper levels of the atmosphere, causing a stagnant air mass over the north eastern parts.
A few isolated thunderstorms will develop on Wednesday and Thursday evening, but cooling is only expected with more rainfall over the weekend.
Also read:
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Metro accused of wasting water
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Don’t know how to handle this heat? Here are some tips
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