Dam levels rise, but still lower than last year
Citizens are urged to continue using water wisely
Despite the rising of the country’s water levels after much-needed recent rains, reservoirs are still lower than this time last year.
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DSW), water storage levels rose to 89.8% this week, from last week’s 86.2%.
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This time last year, this figure was 94.3%.DSW acting spokesperson Andile Tshona said most provinces experienced an increase in water volumes this week, with KZN dams increasing from last week’s 82.3% to 84.2%.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation acknowledges that there are some areas still experiencing acute water challenges, and concerted efforts are being undertaken to address inadequate water supply.
“Municipalities are being assisted with various grants, such as the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant and the capacity to build, upgrade and refurbish water infrastructure to meet the demands of the communities they service.”
Moreover, Tshona said, in the last year, Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu engaged with various stakeholders in efforts to unlock some of the challenges hindering the implementation of infrastructure projects, that will ensure consistent and reliable supply to communities.
“It is for this reason that the department continues to appeal to all water users to be circumspect in the way they consume water and remember that South Africa is a water-scarce country, therefore water conservation is of paramount importance.
“Furthermore, the department appeals to communities to report vandalism of water infrastructure to law enforcement agencies as this is one of the contributing factors to water challenges experienced in some parts of the country,” said Tshona.
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