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Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minster of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning today issued a strong plea to all municipalities and residents to immediately start saving water and electricity.

“Eskom announced a continuation of stage 5 loadshedding this morning, and while municipalities have contingency plans in place, we know this will place added strain on keeping potable water- and sewage systems fully operational,” Bredell said.

At an extended cabinet meeting held last night, the Western Cape Government was presented with information on the impact of prolonged high levels of load shedding. “A continuation of high levels of load shedding over the next 72 hours will affect all municipalities in the Province,” Bredell said.

Although most towns have a 48-hour potable water reserve, the reality is that pumps cannot fully replenish reserves in the available hours of Eskom electricity supply at the current load shedding levels. Also, sewage systems are reliant on a continues flow of water, so the interruptions add to the risk of system blockages and subsequent damage, Bredell said.

Lower water reservoir levels also affect the water pressure in water networks, and this might cause low pressure, or no water at all, for some higher lying neighbourhoods in towns. The variation in pressure can also lead to pipe bursts.

Bredell said that if all residents adhere to the calls of their local governments to make a concerted effort to save water and electricity, it will also create the space for Eskom to address its immediate challenges. “This is also not a time to throw stones at Eskom management. Let us support them and allow them to do their work,” Bredell said.

Bredell added that the Province will look at all immediate measures that can help with the current situation. “Our local government department and disaster management team is playing a crucial role in supporting municipalities in our province by helping them to prepare adequately, and in some instances, get the equipment they need to ensure the maintenance of critical services such as water. All our municipalities have contingency plans in place, as confirmed at the Extended Cabinet meeting convened by Premier Alan Winde last night.

Issued by Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning