Ambiguity surrounds city’s water restrictions

Water restrictions in Ekurhuleni may end some time in April.

The matter may be discussed at the council meeting to be held after the State of the City Address (Soca) and its subsequent debate meeting.

The Soca was due to be held on Wednesday (March 29).

According to Clr André du Plessis (Ward 23), a council meeting to discuss the Soca would be held after that, followed shortly thereafter by the regular council meeting.

At the time of going to print, it was unclear whether the end of water restrictions would be discussed at any of these meetings.

The national Department of Water and Sanitation announced in the gazette published on March 13 that restrictions would end in Gauteng.

Despite this, the matter of ending restrictions in Ekurhuleni specifically would have to be discussed at a council meeting.

Don Kichenbrand, a Rynpark Two resident, received hip replacements more than 20 years ago.

He also suffers from atrial fibrillation.

With the restrictions in place, he has to carry buckets to water his garden.

Kichenbrand said this is a strain for him and other elderly people.

“Surely the government gazette must be final. A council meeting isn’t higher than national,” the 83-year-old said.

“The old people can’t wait much longer – all some of them have are their gardens.”