Residents in KwaZulu-Natal have been urged by the Department of Water and Sanitation to continue using water wisely in advance of winter. This is due to the province’s total water storage capacity dropping slightly from 91.9% to 91.7% as of last week.
The seasonal changes with less rainfall are the cause of the slight decline. The department is collaborating with Umgeni-uThukela Water, its entity in KwaZulu-Natal, to implement large-scale water infrastructure projects throughout the province, particularly in areas where water is scarce.
The Mgeni River’s Midmar Dam is now at 97.1%, down from 98.2%. The Mgeni River is home to the Nagle, Albert Falls, and Inanda dams, which had respective records of 90.0%, 99.7%, and 101.2%.
Lower Dam Levels Are Caused by Less Rainfall.
The dams at Woodstock, Zaaihoek, and Ntshingwayo remain at 101.0%, 90.6%, and 77.6% from last week. Klipfontein Dam’s recorded percentage dropped from 98.2% to 97.2% throughout the course of the preceding week. The entire capacity of Bivane Dam has increased to 100.6% from 101.2%, while the Mdloti River’s Hazelmere Dam is now at 83.7% from 83.6% the previous week.
Residents were reassured by the government that efforts are being made to guarantee dependable and sustainable water supply. This is accomplished by putting bulk water infrastructure, like the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme, into practice effectively. It will help the people living in the Ilembe District Municipality and is scheduled to be finished by January 2025.
The project, which is being carried out in stages, involves increasing the capacity of the current water treatment facility from 6 megalitres per day (Mℓ/d) to 12 megalitres per day (Mℓ/d). After all stages are finished, the Bulk Supply Scheme will cover a number of regions. These are Ashville, KwaSizebantu, Ngcebo, Maqumbi, Maphumulo, and Masibambisane. In the future, the territories will also include Sindi, Balcom, Nyamazane, and Emtanjeni.
Additional Initiatives to Improve Water Resources
The KwaXimba Package Plant and related infrastructural Projects are among the other projects. Its main goal is to solve the water problems in the eThekwini Metro and its environs. The Mvini neighborhood will receive drinkable water as part of this project, which is likewise being carried out in parts (Phase 1). Also the provision of drinkable water (Phase 2) to the areas of Nonoti and Bhobhonono.
Furthermore, locals are asked not to damage water infrastructure. People are asked to report these unlawful acts to the local police authorities.
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