Amanzimtoti residents will have to endure the water supply being shut off between 7pm and 6am daily.
That’s the word from ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge.
Ethekwini water is closing supply between the hours of 19:00 – 06:00 (11 hours).At time of closing, reservoirs and the pipeline network should be full but as people use, those in higher areas and closer to the reservoirs will be without water first. Where the supply is turned on in the morning to fill the network, those at the lowest point will have water first, while those higher up and closer the reservoirs, will have water last. If consumption still doesn’t go down, the municipality will have to consider further closures during the day – please conserve water at all times!
“Many people are still of the opinion that we are blessed with rain in the immediate area and while there is water in the tap, we aren’t subject to any water shortages,” said Cllr Beetge.
“Nothing can be further from the truth, as although much of our local water might be derived from the Nungwane Dam located near Umbumbulu, the bulk water supplier Umgeni Water has advised of further restrictions, thereby forcing the municipality to implement stage three measures to ensure saving in excess of 20%, as opposed to the previous 15%.
In effect the city is receiving close to 50% of its ‘normal’ daily supply.
While we await confirmation of the new closure roster that will see water now also being cut during the day, the department remains mandated to continue the current closing of water supply between the hours of 7pm and 6am.”
Residents are to refrain from filling swimming pools, watering gardens, and washing paving or vehicles using a hosepipe.
Cllr Beetge said despite the above, the city still loses in excess of 40% of its water due to leaks, failing infrastructure or illegal connections.
Report all water-related issues to the engineering call centre on 080-131-3013 or WhatsApp 073-148-3477.
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