NEWCASTLE KZN: DWS calls for ‘wise water use’ as dam levels remain steady
The low levels should not be alarming as the province’s water supply system, Umgeni, recorded above average levels.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in KwaZulu-Natal has called on residents to use water sparingly, especially with the arrival of spring.
According to the department’s latest dam report, levels in the province were mostly above average at 67,1%, which is a slight decrease from last week’s figures.
“While the provincial capacity is steady, there are dams which are below average, such as one of the province’s largest dams, Albert Falls, declining to 48,9% from last week’s 49,6%,” said the DWS spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau.
Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam recorded a slight drop from 73,1% last week to 72,7% this week.
One of the concerning figures for DWS is the Hazelmere Dam, which is down to just 37,2% of its capacity from 38,3% last week. Around the same time last year, however, the dam figures were even lower at 35,7%. Ratau commented the low levels should not alarm people as the province’s water supply system, Umgeni, recorded above average levels of 75,5%, a minimal decline from last week’s 76,7%.
“We are observing the trend in water levels as compared to a similar period last year and we are noting there hasn’t been a significant change. It is for this reason we continue to work with the provincial government, together with our entities, to ensure long-term measures are put into place to bring water relief in affected communities.”
Ratau admitted there had been a delay by DWS in the past to implement bulk water projects in the province, but stated the department had re-committed itself to fast-tracking these despite the associated challenges. Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu is scheduled to meet with officials in Limpopo, KZN and other provinces, to ensure bulk water projects are implemented as fast as possible.
This week’s dam figures are as follows:
Ntshingwayo Dam – 72,7% from 73,1%
Hluhluwe Dam – 87,5% from 87,9%
Craigie Burn Dam – 94,2% from 94,5%
Zaaihoek Dam – unchanged at 75,4%
Woodstock Dam – 75,2% from 82,8%
Bivane Dam – 82,1% from 90,7%
Klipfontein Dam – 84,7% from 85,9%
Driel Barrage Dam – 87,5% from 110,2%
Goedertrouw Dam – 70,9% from 71,2%
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