Editor
THERE is much talk amongst residents in the north of eThekwini about the water situation. The city has a Communications Department and a weekly Metro Beat newspaper, which could be used to keep people up to date on the drought situation. A map of the city, showing the various dams and their current water levels, would inform the public and encourage water saving. Instead, all we see are photos of the mayor and Logie Naidoo telling us how marvellous the ruling party is. They even use their party’s colours for municipal adverts and posters, a not-so-subtle way of fooling the electorate.
It is not rocket science to have predicted that the population would grow from 1994 and that the rainfall was likely to be relatively constant. More people means more consumption, so we should have planned more rainfall collection. Sadly, our leadership was concerned with spending money on other things.
Anyway, back to the water situation. I’m afraid it is not good, but there are moves in the right direction. There is a new viaduct being built from the Umgeni system, but this is strained as the supply comes from Midmar Dam (43 per cent full)and Albert Falls dam (33 per cent full). Because of these low water levels, there is no point in extending this supply further north. Durban is now experiencing water shut-downs.
For this reason the proposed developments at Sibaya near the casino may be prejudiced. However, the pipeline from the Lower Thukela Bulk Water Supply Scheme is progressing, and could come online in July. This water will supply Ilembe (Ballito) and take off some of the pressure on the Hazelmere Dam.
What this all means is that people still need to be frugal with their water consumption, as restrictions won’t be lifted until the drought breaks. My suggestion that the municipality rations all households to 400 litres a day, instead of switching the water off, has not been favourably received. We implemented this system in the drought years of the mid 1980’s quite effectively. Anyone using more than the allotted allocation was charged at double the fee.
Geoff Pullan
Westbrook
