Thursday, July 23, 2015
MEDIA STATEMENT
“Drought situation In AbaQulusi Area
Although water restrictions have been imposed by the Municipality but the levels of the dams continue to drop tremendously.
Currently the dam levels are as follows
Klipfontein 45%
Bloemveld 38%
Rain received on Wednesday was reported to be 4mm which is next to nothing compared to the situation at hand
Department of water of affairs has confirmed the current situation is so life-threatening that should it not rain in the next four weeks, Vryheid will have no water.
The situation cannot be facilitated only by the Municipality. The whole of Abaqulusi residents are urged to commit themselves in conserving water by and identifying water sources and springs
ABAQULUSI RESIDENTS CAN PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN CONSERVING WATER BY DOING THE FOLLOWING:
- Re- use of water in households is encouraged e.g bath water can be kept in buckets for toilet use or any other
- Washing machines water can also be used for gardening or any other domestic activities
- Residents should rather use showers than baths
- residents are requested to report any leaks to the municipality as soon as they are identified on this number 0800 20 1102
- use of hose pipes is prohibited
- those who know of any wet lands with the possibility of boreholes are urged to report these wetlands to their ward Councillors
EFFORTS DONE BY THE MUNICIPALITY TO PRESERVE WATER
- Restrictor valves in indigent households have been installed as these households normally exceed the allowable 6kl per month.
- Outlet pipes at treatment plants have been reduced by 50%
- Water restrictions have been imposed on all residents and business users
- Water restriction warnings are also available on the consumer bills as a reminder
- There are Consulting engineers employed to identify boreholes in different areas
- The old schemes a being refurbished
- Protection of springs
Thus while we certainly appreciate the recent rains, however the municipality urges the residents to use water sparingly as the situation is still dire.
End…
Issued by:
S Chetty
Director Technical services
