Water restrictions are ignored

SOUTH Coast residents seem to be blatantly ignoring water restrictions, in spite of the threat of a R4 000 fine if they are caught out.

Even though water supplies are still desperately low, some car wash businesses in particular carry on regardless.

Many have been seen to continue to use high pressure systems, even though Ugu District Municipality has warned that only buckets are allowed.

However, a manager from a local car wash hit back and asked where by-laws were gazetted.

“How are we expected to get through the amount of cars that come to us daily daily using two buckets per car?” he said. “We will lose business.

“You must remember that times are tough, there is no money. If we send our workers home because we can no longer sustain our business, a lot of families will suffer.”

Another concern was that Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre apparently continued to irrigate even though the municipality had said no automatic sprinkler or irrigation system was to be used.

Southport Clinic staff were also apparently using hosepipes to wash chairs.

Hillside Road residents in Oslo beach have also raised concerns about water gushing out from leaking pipes in their road.

Ugu spokesman France Zama said water restrictions in the district were still in force and until further notice.

He reiterated that car wash services were still expected to use buckets only and no high pressure systems.

“The use of manual and/or automatic sprinkler of irrigation systems is still forbidden. Leaking cisterns and taps are also regarded as an offence.”

He said restrictions were instituted in terms of of Part 7, of Section 57 and 58 of the municipality’s water and sanitation services by-laws.

“On the Hillside suspected leak, a foreman has been dispatched to investigate the problem. An internal leak is suspected.”