UPDATE: Dams run dry in Zululand
Zululand drought worsens as water source levels plummet.
Photo: Dave Savides
THE drought situation in the uThungulu District has reached critical proportions with water levels at dams and other sources continuing to drop daily.
Authorities have described the situation as ‘dire’ and Level 3 water restrictions have been implemented in the uMfolozi, Ntambanana, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni and Nkandla municipalities.
Level 3 restrictions require a 70% cut in water usage by the agricultural sector, 30% by domestic users and 10% by industry.
Presenting a district analysis of the drought last week, Mayor Thembeka Mchunu said the Goedertrouw Dam was currently sitting at 36% capacity while the district had since stopped extraction from Melmoth and Amatikulu dams.
‘Melmoth Dam is dry with only one week supply left,’ said Mchunu.
‘Dam levels at Nsezi are very low and are not suitable for extraction. Amatikulu River is dry and Gingindlovu is being supplied by water tankers. Old schemes are being reactivated. Six farmers have given us access to their dams. However they are only at 60% capacity. At uMfolozi, there is no water source available. We have drilled nine boreholes and only four yielded results. Old schemes are being supplied from boreholes in Ntambanana,’ Mchunu said.
The mayor said a transfer scheme from the Chennels Farm Dam would be commissioned on Tuesday to yield 0.5 mega litre (ML) with a total of 1.5ML to relieve eShowe this week.
‘We are also reinstating the Mpushini Weir, which is being recommissioned after 30 years. This will yield about 1ML. The old weir at Mtunzini will be activated and commissioned this week. uThungulu has drilled between 18-23 boreholes in various areas. While some are giving a good yield, the water quality is unsatisfactory. No reticulation can take place without a suitable treatment method in place for the boreholes.’
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