UPDATE: Zululand ‘not out of the woods’ with drought
Dry spell continues with little expectations of heavy summer rains.
IF residents do not immediately stop watering their gardens, filling their swimming pools and being wasteful with water, Zululanders could find themselves opening dry taps by the end of summer.
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation KZN Chief Engineer, Norman Ward, dam levels are still dangerously low with little expectations of heavy rains over the festive season.
‘We are simply not yet out of the woods,’ said Ward.
‘Northern KZN’s industries and irrigation farmers have significantly cut their water usage.
‘The biggest problem is the consumers who are still not complying with the water restrictions.
‘If we get much-needed downpours, we could be freed from this dry spell, but sadly the forecast for summer rain is not looking good.
‘We could be in a seriously bad situation by the end of the season.’
Currently, the Goedertrouw Dam is at 36.8%, Hluhluwe at 34%, Klipfontein (between Vryheid and Ulundi) at 35% and Pongolapoort at 54%.
Owing to the Pongolapoort Dam’s low water level, the annual environmental flood release to fill the region’s floodplains will not take place this year.
This is normally done at the beginning of October.
The Pongola floodplain is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in South Africa, with lagoons, lakes, marshes, forests and grassland providing habitat for a wide variety of birds, fish and animals.
Not being able to fill these will also negatively impact the thousands of locals who live off the resources.
To report water leaks, call the 24-hour toll free number on 080 0222827.
Read more on Zululand drought HERE
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