Water restrictions underway in uThungulu
Residents in Richards Bay and its surrounding areas are having to brace themselves for water restrictions, after the uThungulu District Municipality implemented them at the weekend.
Mayor Thembeka Mchunu has told Newswatch the plan will remain in place while water's pumped into their biggest dam.
Levels at Thobane Dam were at 35% on Friday. Melmoth Dam's dropped to below 30%.
Construction on a pipe that will carry water to the dam is already underway.
"On Friday we deviated from the normal processes of procurement and got a service provider who was confirmed to be on site yesterday. We've started working there and we believe at least by the end of the week we will have results of water levels rising again," she said.
Sibusiso Mdabe, the Mayor of the Ilembe District Municipality says Hazelmere is sitting at 27% and the uMvoti Water system which provides water to the northern areas of KwaDukuza has run completely dry.
"We are currently drilling boreholes and we're testing the quality of the water taken from there. If the water is not suitable for drinking we'll then have to purchase the package treatment plant so that we treat that water for consumption.
"Five boreholes have been drilled to date. We're still drilling other areas so that we augment the supply," he said.
Meanwhile, government has given KZN financial aid worth R96-million to assist municipalities in funding drought intervention projects.
The Department of Water and Sanitation says the drought-relief funds will also be used to finance water tanks.
(File photo)