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MHLATHUZE WATER has called upon communities and industries in northern KwaZulu-Natal to use water sparingly due to a decrease in dam levels. The appeal echoes a call made this week by the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Minister Sisulu to South Africans to conserve water or live with the consequences.

Mhlathuze Water which supplies bulk water to the King Cetshwayo, Zululand and the UMkhanyakude Districts as well as industries said due to dwindling levels at its dams, and miserly rainfall patterns, there was a need to closely monitor water consumption.

The Goedetrouw Dam which is Mhlathuze Water’s main water source for the greater Richards Bay area is currently sitting at below 40.83%, and has not fully recovered from the drought which ravaged the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal 5 years ago.

The PongolaPoort Dam in Jozini is at 58.74%. Compared to the same period last year, our dams are markedly lower. Despite the intermittent rains that we have been witnessing, we do not have a water surplus; we need to prudently manage our water supplies. While the water situation cannot be described as dire in our catchment area due to multiple water sources, we need to remain mindful that northern KwaZulu-Natal remains extremely water scarce. 

Communities and industries must closely monitor their water usage in order to avert restrictions in future. Our message to communities in our areas of operation is that they must conserve water and get back to the basics of not washing their vehicles with hose pipes, watering their plants with drinkable water and ensure that they attend to leaks.

In its efforts to ensure water security in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mhlathuze Water has embarked on major infrastructure upgrades including commissioning a 40mega litre per day water treatment plant to service the uMkhanyakude District with portable water. Additionally, and as an interim measure, the water utility is also installing bore holes in those areas of UMkhanyakude worst affected by the water scarcity.

Issued by Office of the Chief Executive, Mhlathuze Water