UPDATE: More water cuts as drought crisis worsens

WATER users in five municipalities will be slapped with heavy restrictions to ensure supply throughout the uThungulu District during the dry winter months.

As water levels at dams and other water sources continue to drop, Mayor Thembeka Mchunu told the Zululand Observer the municipality was forced to take drastic steps.

‘We are implementing Level 3 water restrictions to our areas of supply in the uMfolozi, Ntambanana, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni and Nkandla municipalities. We must however caution that Level 4 restrictions are imminent, which would call for even greater restrictions,’ Mchunu said.

Level 3 restrictions require a 70% cut in water usage by the agricultural sector, 30% by domestic users and 10% by industry.

‘The water situation is dire and our major water sources, including the Phobane Dam, dropped to below 40% this past weekend,’ Mchunu said.

The mayor said the district had further engaged with local farmers who own private dams, to make their dam water available for abstraction.

‘We are busy laying pipes to begin abstraction from the Chennels Dam to uThungulu’s Rutledge Dam in eShowe for onward reticulation to our communities.’

Bleak

The situation remains bleak as the Amatigulu River has also run dry.

‘uThungulu will halt abstraction from this river as of Friday. This has severely impacted Gingindlovu and a meeting with affected community members will be held on Thursday afternoon at the Gingindlovu Hall.’

In Mthonjaneni, the Melmoth Dam is also at its lowest (25%), which is barely enough for about a week or two of supply.

uThungulu has further drilled between 18 to 23 boreholes in various areas.

‘While some are giving a good yield, the water quality is not satisfactory,’ Mchunu said.

@RonelleRamsamy

 DID YOU KNOW?

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

BBM – 25A0BF5A or 2B7993C8