Plan to minimise water supply risk

THE municipality announced in September that the uMhlathuze lake reached an historic low water level of 22% and reported that it would have to suspend further extraction if it did not rain soon, owing to the risk of sea water infiltration.

It also announced temporary measures to maintain adequate water supply to industry and mentioned that a new pump station would be constructed, to be completed in May next year.

No mention is made of residential water supply in the event of the uMhlathuze lake running dry.

The concern is that there will not be enough water tankers to cater for the needs of more than 60 000 local residents, including neighbouring townships.

Recently many critical government services all but collapsed suddenly, the most recent being Eskom. Most incidents occur owing to insufficient planning, the inability to execute or the lack of maintenance to critical infrastructure. Not a desirable situation to be in for anyone.

Hence a call to the local municipality to communicate regularly and inform business and residents now of emergency and continuity planning.

This should address:

• Alternative water supply planning and arrangements in the event of the lake suddenly running dry. How will it work, where, when, who?

• Fast-track the project delivery of the new water pump station for completion in February and not May, which may be too late especially if adequate rain is not forthcoming soon.

• Prepare medium- to long term-planning arrangements to supplement the uMhlathuze water supply capacity in line with increased consumption demand from expanding industry and local residents.

SPARKIE