Durban gets pro-active about water scarcity

With Day Zero – the day that the dams and taps run dry – fast approaching for the drought-stricken city of Cape Town, eThekwini Municipality has put in place a number of initiatives to safeguard Durban from falling into the same dire situation.

“Since the beginning of the drought we have implemented many strategies to minimise the impact of water shortages. We installed water restrictors, shut down water supply to allow reservoirs to fill up and educated the public about water conservation,” said eThekwini head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa.

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The city has also implemented the following:

1. Pressure reduction processes;
2. Extensive community consciousness-raising programmes, such as:

• Attending ward councillors’ and Masakhane meetings
• Stakeholder and staff meetings
• Placed notices on all utility bills
• Responded swiftly to leak and burst reports.

Implemented the use of various media platforms such as the WhatsApp water reporting line to make reporting water issues easier. (see numbers below)

“The installation of water restrictors and the shutting down of water supply to refill reservoirs have been some of our most effective interventions,” said Mthethwa.

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The city continues to encourage residents to use water sparingly by:

• Reducing the amount of water used per day;
• Reusing water whenever possible;
• Repairing any leaks as soon as possible;
• Reading your water meter regularly to check for underground leaks;
• Using a bucket when washing vehicles or cleaning the yard or verandah;
• Using a cup when brushing teeth instead of leaving the tap open;
• Using a shower instead of a bath;
• Not using a hose pipe or irrigation system to water plants;
• Not refilling swimming pools, paddling pools or ponds with potable water.

Residents are also urged to report water waste and water leaks using the following methods:

• Telkom toll-free 080-131-3013,
• WhatsApp 073-148-3477,
• email eservices@durban.gov.za,
• SMS 43554,
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Alternatively, visit any of the Sizakala Customer Care Centres.