Water restrictions are still in place
In spite of stories doing the rounds, especially on social media, the City of Ekurhuleni has not relaxed water restrictions.
IN spite of stories doing the rounds, especially on social media, the City of Ekurhuleni has not relaxed water restrictions.
To the contrary, Ekurhuleni is one of the municipalities that has yet to reach the required 15 percent water saving, as imposed by national government.
Water savings are monitored on a weekly basis and since the implementation of the restrictions, Ekurhuleni has yet to reach the target.
At a meeting on December 7 with the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water and municipalities, Ekurhuleni recorded an eight percent saving, with neighbouring municipalities Joburg at 10.5 percent and Tshwane at 19.5 percent for the week.
Ekurhuleni has implemented water rationing from 21:00 to 05:00 in all areas according to a roster, available on the city’s website.
“Various engagements have been held with the business sector in Ekurhuleni, which is responding well to the call to save water. An appeal goes out to all residents to also heed the call and help the city to save water,” says Themba Gadebe, EMM spokesperson.
In the first week of December, the Vaal Dam’s level was 37 percent – which was due to augmentation from Katse as well as head waters from Sterkfontein, which will be stopped on December 22.
The restrictions will only be reviewed in May 2017.
The water restrictions that currently apply:
- Low pressure to curb water use across the region.
- Use of hosepipes and sprinkler systems is prohibited.
- No filling of swimming pools with municipal water.
- No watering from 06:00 to 18:00, thereafter only with a watering can/bucket.
- 25 kilolitre monthly consumption limit on households. If this is exceeded, a 10 percent fine is imposed.
Should the above not be adhered to, including illegal water connections (such as fire hydrants), a fine of R6 753.64 will be imposed on households per incident. For business, this fine is R13 762.24.
“Any incidents can be reported to the city via email. Include a photograph, stipulate the address (GPS coordinates, if available), time and details and email to savewater@ekurhuleni.gov.za,” says Gadebe.
“By standing together we can ensure that we save this life-giving resource, because if we don’t there will be no water,” he adds.
Residents are requested to ensure that they fix all water leaks on their properties and report those outside of properties to the following platforms:
City’s call centre: 0860 543 000, SMS details to 30788, email: Call.Centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za, Twitter: @EMM_Call_Centre, #savewater
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