CITY of uMhlathuze spokesperson Mdu Ncalane confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that water cuts scheduled for 27 to 31 July have been put on hold.
The decision comes after extensive meetings with all water stakeholders on Tuesday, and reports that the cuts pose a threat to water infrastructure.
‘Water cuts will be put on hold until further notice,’ said Ncalane.
‘We have not yet measured the rain we received on Wednesday, but we can’t take it as something we can rely on.’
The Zululand Observer reported on Monday that the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Chief Engineer Norman Ward was of the opinion that cuts were not a viable option and that other measures would be more logical.
Ncalane meanwhile emphasised that more rain was needed before the crisis could be declared over and people should not associate the delay in water cuts as a sign the crisis is over.
Measures put in place already, such as the lowering of water pressures, will still be ongoing.
Residents are also reminded that the following saving measures are still applicable:
• No irrigation of gardens
• No washing of vehicles with hosepipes
• No filling or topping up of swimming pools
• No cleaning of surfaces requiring water
• No burning of sugar cane owing to the dry season and limited water resources to extinguish fires.
Residents are urged to report activity of this nature to the municipality via the toll free number 0800 222 827 or by sending an e-mail to talk2us@umhlathuze.gov.za.
‘We encourage people to also report all leaks via these channels, and we will gladly respond,’ he said.
More information on future measures will be communicated by the city at a later stage.
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