AN investigation has been initiated into who leaked the internal document detailing the water shedding timetables after it was widely-spread on social media on Monday, 7 March.
The document contained a water reduction timetable. In most Highway areas, the timetable stated that water would be cut off on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9pm to 5am, while in some areas the cut-off was going to be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 6pm.
Heinz de Boer, DA executive councillor, said this document is an internal council document but was not for public consumption. It was a draft of what likely shedding schedules would be if water shedding is initiated.
“The latest information and the decision out of the exco meeting that was held on Tuesday, 8 March revealed that there will not be water shedding or twice weekly cuts of water as has been reported on social media and in newspapers.
“The city will be inserting water restricting washers into residential meters, thereby effectively cutting the volume and pressure by 50 percent.
He said the head of water, Ednick Msweli, had not given the councillors a schedule of when these restrictors would be implemented or what areas will be affected.
“I have written to him urgently requesting this information. Dam levels are critically low. If we do not start saving 15 percent very soon there is an extremely real possibility that water shedding will happen.
“Water shedding will not begin without major and sustained public consultation and information being given out,”.
De Boer said Msweli denied that the document was leaked from his office.
“Plans to fine people who do not consistently save 15 percent in their water bill will go ahead. This is something the DA voted against in council,” he added.
He urged all residents to really look at rain water harvesting urgently and to become as self-sufficient as possible. Water saving must become a priority.
