Witbank Dam is about 60% full.
This forced the local municipality to put strict water restrictions in place. This does not only apply to eMalahleni but also Rietspruit, Ga-Nala and Ogies.
Until further notice you are only allowed to water your garden three days a week.
On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays you can water your plants with hand held hose pipes or buckets. You may also use a micro irrigation system.
Nurseries and other activities of a commercial nature requiring water for plants are requested to use water more sparingly and efficiently and no automatic systems may be used unless there is supervision over its application. A register of watering times and supervisor’s signoff must be kept and be ready for inspection.
Public building gardens may only be watered by hand held systems during office hours and at a maximum of two hours per day. This is applicable on all public facilities and government departments.
Water features, unless they are supporting wild life, must be switched off. In cases where wild life like fishes and birds are affected, written permission from the manager Water Services must be obtained to operate water features. This is applicable whether the feature is on public or private property.
It is also essential that residents report water leaks immediately.
To report water leaks and problems go to the Facebook page Theo van Vuuren or phone Mr Sphamandla Mhlongo on 063 280 3061, Ms Melissa Minnaar on 071 422 1507 or Mr Mauku Malhhuko on 079 654 8518.
For more information on these water restrictions visit www.emalahleni.gov.za.
