Water demand leaves eThekwini reservoirs empty
Water is being drawn out of eThekwini's reservoirs faster than they can be filled.
The municipality says this is why some reservoirs are often empty, particularly in high-lying areas.
On Sunday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Deputy Minister David Mahlobo met with the mayor Cyril Xaba and the chairperson of Umgeni-uThukela Water Vusi Khuzwayo to discuss how to resolve the crisis in the city.
The municipality says the shortages are due to demand far exceeding supply - and leaks in the distribution systems.
Several areas far from reservoirs, including uMlazi, Chatsworth and Ntuzuma, have been without the resource for months.
The city's Gugu Sisilana says plans are in place to resolve these issues.
READ: eThekwini Municipality water rationing decision criticized
“The city is in the process of issuing several city-funded contracts for non revenue water reduction. The municipality is also installing pressure management valve to reduce the water pressure in the water distribution system, which reduces the frequency of pipe bursts and extends the useful life of the infrastructure."
She says the ministry, the city and the water board outlined plans to increase and improve supply.
This includes the introduction of two additional water reuse plants, a desalination project and the building of a dam and a treatment works.
“The city council will consider implementing formal water use restrictions through bylaws. There will be weekly technical coordination meetings, and there will be weekly meetings between the mayor, the minister, and the chairperson of uMgeni - Uthukela Water to review progress.”
Meanwhile, eThekwini says due to the recent rainfall it has temporarily lifted water curtailment measures until late April.
