Dam has only a month’s supply left, says official

QUEENSTOWN and Whittlesea are in the grip of a drought that has forced the Lukhanji Municipality to institute stringent water restrictions on about 70000 residents.

The restrictions came into effect on Friday and will remain in place until further notice.

Municipal spokesperson Mkhululi Titi said the Bonkolo Dam, which supplies water to the two areas, is about 67% full, but has only one month’s supply left at the current rate of water usage.

“The ideal level would be above 85%. We haven’t had good rains in a while,” said Titi, adding that the municipality last introduced restrictions in 2003.

All residents will be restricted to irrigating gardens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 6pm to 8pm only, and between 2pm and 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for businesses and schools. The washing of cars and hard surfaces with a hose pipe is banned.

“Residents are advised to use buckets and brooms as the sensible alternative,” said Titi.

He also said fines would be imposed on those who do not adhere to these restrictions.

“Non-compliance with the restrictions will result in fines ranging from R200 for first time minor infractions to R1000 for repeat or major offenders.”

Business owners who wish to apply for exemption from these restrictions for operational purposes should send written motivations to the director of technical services by no later than Friday.

“Borehole owners are advised to ensure that they have a sign erected that is clearly visible from the street,” said Titi.

The municipality was already experiencing problems with water supply to Whittlesea during peak periods. If the Bonkolo Dam continues to drop, the municipality will have to start pumping water from the Waterdown Dam.

This will, however, only be for residents of Queenstown and further restrictions will be imposed on Whittlesea, said Titi.

Late last year, the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) also instituted water restrictions in some areas when dam levels reached an all time low.

Areas that were affected by these restrictions during December last year were Kei Mouth, Morgan Bay, Bedford and Stutterheim. ADM spokesperson Gail Pullen said restrictions have been lifted in all areas, except Stutterheim. Although the Gubu Dam supplying Stutterheim has ample water, larger pumps are needed to pump water to the treatment works. - By CHERI-ANN JAMES

Council Reporter