uThungulu among worst drought affected areas
Dam levels have plummeted by an average of 40% compared to the same period last year.
A VISIT by President Jacob Zuma at Sunday’s drought relief Imbizo in Melmoth has again highlighted the severity of the drought in the uThungulu District.
Dam levels have plummeted by an average of 40% compared to the same period last year.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has been putting in place strategy after strategy to bring failing water supply under a semblance of control.
In many towns falling under the jurisdiction of the uThungulu District Municipality, severe water restrictions have been introduced.
Melmoth town relies on a borehole that sources say can at any moment dry up.
Residents also collect water from tankers for long periods every month, while signs adorn the doors of public toilets informing those in need that the lack of water has forced closure.
Real drought
‘Water scarcity in the province has forced the department to develop multi-stakeholder partnerships to effectively mitigate the challenge,’ said Minister of Water Affairs and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, last month.
She was speaking on the current construction programme of the Lower Tugela Bulk Water Supply scheme, which aims to bring drought relief to around 500 000 people.
She also mentioned that 20 000 people needed augmented water supply means to survive, such as water trucks and tanks.
The agricultural sector has also taken a massive blow, with South Africa now facing the challenge of importing maize to prevent food shortages.
Local sugarcane and cattle farmers meanwhile have said it would take at least 10 years to recover from the devastating effect of the worst drought in Zululand in at least 60 years.
Empangeni and Richards Bay remain the only towns in Zululand unaffected by water cuts.
