Until the City of Ekurhuleni reduces its water usage by 15 percent the water restrictions which were put in place earlier this year will remain in force.
This notice from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) comes after reports of the lifting of water restrictions were recently circulated on social media.
Mr Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for EMM said the water restrictions will remain in Ekurhuleni until there is a 15 percent reduction of water use.
“Ekurhuleni is one of the municipalities that has yet to reach the required 15 percent water saving, as imposed by national government,” said Mr Gadebe.
He said at a meeting held on December 7 between the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water and municipalities that Ekurhuleni had only recorded an eight percent saving.
Mr Gadebe said in the first week of December, the Vaal Dam’s level was recorded as 37 percent.
He said this level was achieved through the addition of water from Katse and Sterkfontein Dams. However, the addition of water was stopped on December 22.
Mr Gadebe said the City of Ekurhuleni is working closely with the business sector to ensure water is saved.
“The restrictions will only be reviewed again in May,” said Mr Gadebe.
He appealed to all community members to obey the restrictions and save water.
In an attempt to ensure water is not misused the EMM implemented water restrictions which included:
- Rationing of water between 9pm and 5am across the municipality.
- Low pressure to curb water use in the EMM.
- Not using hosepipes and sprinkler systems.
- No filling of swimming pool with municipal water.
- No watering from 6am to 6pm. Thereafter only with a watering can/bucket.
- A 25 kilolitre monthly consumption limit placed on households. If this is exceeded, a 10 percent fine will be imposed.
“Should the above not be adhered to an additional fine of R6 753.64 will be imposed on households per incident while businesses will be fined R13 762.24,” said Mr Gadebe.
Mr Gadebe said incidents can be reported to the city via email.
Complainants are to include a photograph, stipulate the address, GPS coordinates (if available), time and details of the contravention of the restriction in an email to savewater@ekurhuleni.gov.za
“By standing together we can ensure that we save this life-giving resource, because if we don’t there will be no water,” said Mr Gadebe.
Residents are urged to repair all water leaks on their property and report all municipal water leaks they come across.
Municipal leaks can be reported on:
- The City’s call center on 0860 543 000.
- Via SMS on 30788.
- By email on – Call.Centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za
- On twitter @EMM_Call_Centre #savewater.
