Zululand runs dry

WITH the heavens not opening yet to bring relief to parched areas of Zululand, the water shortage in the region remains critical with restrictions still in place.

The uThungulu District has confirmed that officials are busy engaging with various local municipalities to keep communities informed of the loss of water supply to several areas.

Water consumers in Mfolozi and Ntambanana municipalities continue to experience restrictions to their supply owing to the ongoing drought conditions.

The affected areas are supplied by the Upper Nseleni pump station, which in turn is supplied by the City of uMhlathuze. With low water levels at the City’s raw water source, pumping of water has been reduced to 12 hours per day instead of the usual 24 hours per day.

The situation is expected to continue until water levels at the raw water source are increased, through rainfall. The affected areas include wards 5, 6, 8 and portions of ward 7 in Ntambanana as well as several wards in Mfolozi including KwaMbonambi. The district has since implemented a water tanker delivery schedule to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, dam levels at eShowe also remain critically low with businesses and residents in the area requested to use water sparingly.

Dams

This is as a result of depleted levels at the Eshlazi and Rutledge dams, which supply the eShowe waterworks.

‘Technical officials are working to identify an alternative source of water supply however this will be a temporary solution until such time that rainfall increases the main dam levels,’ said uThungulu Municipal Manager MH Nkosi.

‘The minimal rain during the past months has negatively impacted on water levels throughout the district causing our water levels to drop to alarming levels. Water usage shall be closely monitored and any instances of excessive usage shall be viewed seriously and Council may impose penalties in such instances.’

The restrictions include no irrigation or gardens, no washing of vehicles by means of a hose pipe, no filling or topping up of swimming pools and no cleaning of surfaces requiring high volumes of water.

Tourism establishments said the severe drought was affecting tourism tremendously.

‘This is the worst drought in years and we are hoping to get rain as soon as possible. We have serious restrictions and the water flow is very slow. This is concerning especially when we have international tourists. We can survive without electricity but not water,’ said owner of the exclusive Thula Thula Game Reserve, Françoise Malby-Anthony.

To report water problems, consumers can call the toll free water hotline on 0800203602.