WATER losses in the City of uMhlathuze area – almost 40 percent – must be urgently reduced, say councillors.
While the acceptable standard by National Treasury stand between 13% and 30%, the municipality’s current loss rate is sitting way above at 38.3%.
In submitting the draft 2013/14 annual financial statements, the City’s audit committee said the municipality had to devise a turnaround strategy to curtail the losses.
‘The administration must put more effort into curbing this problem and reducing the water losses in light of the serious water shortage currently being faced,’ said Cllr Louis Fourie at last week’s Exco sitting.
‘That figure has to go below 30% otherwise we are going to run out of water. More attention also needs to be given to the repair of burst water pipes and ageing infrastructure,’ Cllr Fourie said.
Cllr Silondile Mkhize said there were also several reports of consumers utilising water without being billed.
‘This is a concern for everyone. After the installation of a meter, it should be registered immediately so that consumers are billed accordingly.
‘The municipality has to be quick in registering meters as well as responding to metre tampering and leakages,’ Mkhize said.
Business plan
At the recent audit committee meeting, CFO Mxolisi Kunene and Acting Deputy Municipal Manager: Infrastructure and Technical Services Tumelo Gopane said both departments were working together to ensure that tampering and leakages were detected earlier.
A business plan with strategies has also been forwarded to the Department of Water Affairs.
‘We are very worried because water is scarce,’ said Deputy Mayor Vera Gumbi.
‘We need all stakeholders to come together to curb this problem.’
Cllr MM Mbokazi said a recent door-to-door visit in Ward 24 revealed a high number of leakages.
‘This is unacceptable and we are more than willing to show officials where the problem is.’
Municipal Manager Dr NJ Sibeko said the municipality was already working on a turnaround strategy, which included among others pressure management and reducing leakages.
‘The registration of meters should go together with the finance department so that they are billed immediately.
‘We will investigate the matter so that it can be addressed urgently,’
I dont see why everybody’s complaining about the water wastage!!! go down to Alkant strand and you will see that they use the showers and walk away – leaving the water to run non stop. If it’s such a big issue then make a plan to save the water. fine those for wasting water but sure as hell make a plan!!!!