Water cut hammer falls
City of uMhlathuze water reserves could be depleted by as early as end of September
IF immediate action is not taken, the City of uMhlathuze could run out of water by as early as end of September.
In anticipation of this, city spokesperson Mdu Ncalane has confirmed the introduction of drastic water cuts to eight wards by the end of this month.
Wards in Richards Bay, Empangeni and Ngwelezane will be affected by the water cut-offs scheduled for 4am to 9am and 5pm to 10pm.
‘These times might be reduced, depending on the reserves available,’ said Ncalane on Wednesday.
Asked why only the dates 27 to 31 July were listed, he said these were the only days he could confirm at this stage, meaning this could be extended.
‘The City will continue to communicate any further cuts at a later stage,’ said Ncalane.
‘Right now we are urging people to use water sparingly.’
A full statement regarding these and further water cuts will be forthcoming.
‘The reality is that we don’t have water and while we wait for relief from the provincial government, we have to act.’
He emphasised, however, that any help from the government would not necessarily mean the City would suddenly have water in reserve.
‘We understand people are angry, but again the reality is that these cuts aren’t nearly as bad as areas in the Ilembe District and some parts of Durban, where water cuts are up to eight hours a day.’
Uproar
The social media exploded on Tuesday after the announcement, which was posted on the Municipality’s Facebook page.
The post was removed a few hours later, with sources revealing that someone had jumped the gun as the municipality wished to announce the cuts with a proper explanation.
Comments on the Zululand Observer Facebook page expressed outrage and disbelief.
Residents feel the cut-off times are impractical as working people use water in those time frames to prepare food and bathe.
As the drought continues, several warnings in the media and by local municipal officials about a pending crisis went unheeded as residents and and government departments failed to manage water consumption.
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