Ekurhuleni Metro has not relaxed water restrictions
Despite stories doing the rounds, the City of Ekurhuleni has not relaxed water restrictions.
On the contrary, Ekurhuleni is one of the municipalities that has yet to reach the required 15 per cent water saving, as imposed by national government.
According to Themba Gadebe, metro spokesperson, water savings are monitored on a weekly basis and since the implementation of the restrictions, it has yet to reach the targeted 15 per cent.
“At a meeting on December 7 with the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water and municipalities, the metro recorded an eight percent saving, with neighbouring Joburg at 10.5 per cent and Tshwane at 19.5 per cent for the week,” said Gadebe.
“The metro has implemented water rationing from 9pm to 5am in all areas according to a roster, available on the City’s website.”
He said various engagements have been held with the business sector in Ekurhuleni who are responding well to the call to save water.
An appeal goes out to all residents to heed the call and pledge with the metro to save water.
In the first week of December, the Vaal Dam’s level was 37 per cent – which was due to augmentation from Katse, as well as head waters from Sterkfontein, which was stopped on December 22.
The restrictions will only be reviewed in May.
Restrictions that apply:
• Low pressure to curb water use across the region.
• Use of hosepipes and sprinkler systems is prohibited.
• No filling of swimming pools with municipal water.
• No watering from 6am to 6pm. Thereafter, only with a watering can/bucket.
• 25 kl monthly consumption limit on households. If this is exceeded, a 10 per cent fine is imposed.
Should the above not be adhered to, including illegal water connections (such as using fire hydrants), a fine of R6 753.64 will be imposed on households per incident. For business, this fine is R13 762.24.
Gadebe said any incidents may be reported to the City via email.
“Please include a photograph, stipulate the address, with GPS coordinates if available, time and details and 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,” Gadebe cautioned.
Residents are requested to ensure that they fix all water leaks on their properties and report those outside of properties to the following platforms:
• EMM Call Centre: 0860 543 000
• SMS 30788
• Email Call.Centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za
• Twitter @EMM_Call_Centre, #savewater
