Drop for drop water is wasted
Residents are doing their bit and reports leaking water pipes and also water meters on a daily basis
It is no secret that Emalahleni Local Municipality is struggling to supply water to all its residents.
The municipality needs 148 megalitres per day to secure constant water supply to its community. However, the demand exceeds the supply with 40 megalitres as only 108 megalitres are available on any given day.
Not only is the fast growing population, a water reclamation plant and the quality of water the problem.
There is also the poor infrastructure causing frustration.
The Department of Water and Sanitation warns that water levels continue to drop in Mpumalanga.
Only Witbank and Jericho Dams recorded some minor improvements in their build-up.
Witbank Dam slightly increased from 73.3% to 79.8% and the Jericho Dam going up from 62.4% to 63.0%. Jericho Dam feeds Ga-Nala.
“The continuous drop in water volumes and the fact that water levels are far less than what was recorded at the same time last year calls for every citizen of this country to play a role in water security by being responsible citizens and use the available water sparingly, efficiently and in the wisest manner as there is little or no noticeable improvement even as we get some rain,” said Mr Sputnik Ratau, spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
He said the department urges water users and communities to strengthen water conservation and wise use initiatives even as some parts of the country receive much-needed rainfall.
Residents are doing their bit and reports leaking water pipes and also water meters on a daily basis.
But it seems that the municipality just does not have enough fingers to cover all the holes.
Just taking a quick glance over ward 20’s Whatsapp group and one can see how many times the same problems are reported again and again.
Gordon Road falls in ward 20 and it is not just in Gordon Road that the precious commodity is wasted.
All over the municipality, the same problem persists.
In an opinion piece Mr Themba Khoza, also from DWS wrote, “Turning a blind eye on water wastage shows irresponsible behaviour and must be discouraged at all times. We must always remember that water has no substitute and shortage affects everyone. This then calls for all of us to work together to use the available water in a more responsible manner to ensure that it lasts us longer as we can see that rainfall has become elusive and scarce.”
He went on, “Communities, water users and the government must work together to ensure water security. It must be a strong chain as we need all hands on board for water security, especially as our country is a water scarce country. Let us work with our municipalities to reduce water losses and conserve more water. Remember, it all starts with an individual.”
By the time going to press there was no response from the municipality.
However, on their website is a huge advert reminding the community that they will be hosting a water conservation awareness campaign at Kriel Stadium, Phola Community Hall, KwaGuqa Ext 10 and Klarinet Ext 16.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage residents to partner with the municipality in saving water.
