Nelson Mandela Bay insignificant dam level increase – NMBM

The combined dam levels have only increased by 0.01% since August 31, 2021. This comes at the background of high consumption levels of way above 280 kl per day. As a result of this, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure and Engineering, Councillor Thsonono Buyeye has instructed municipal water services officials to accelerate the implementation of all water pressure and control management measures. 

The measures include, installation of water restrictors to high water users, water flow restrictors and zonal water pressure management valves. “The current state we are in demands that all measures that are within our control be in place. We are now going towards summer where consumption is expected to be high. We need our systems to be ready for that eventually as we are told that no significant rain can be expected any time soon,” said MMC Buyeye.

Buyeye said although intensive work is being done to change water behavioural patterns within Nelson Mandela Bay, more practical measures must be applied. 

“Practical steps must be implemented and what makes me not to sleep at night is the fact that we are running against time. We do have medium to long term plans, but they will not rescue us from a reality of dry taps if we are not drastic and aggressive in our approach,” he said.

Intermittent water supply has started in areas like KwaNobuhle in Kariega and Western Suburbs,  in areas like Lorraine, Westering, Rowallan Park, St Albans and the surrounding areas. 

In anticipation of dry taps, water tanks donated by the Department of Water and Sanitation have been installed in KwaNobuhle with 10 water tanker trucks on standby. 

MMC Buyeye said Nelson Mandela Bay can longer afford to use water at the current consumption levels and the culture that exists in relation to water usage. 

“It is time to accept the reality that we are a water scarce City and Province, our thinking, behaviour and plans in both municipality and our homes must bare this in mind. If we are to secure our economic future, we need to work together on this,”.

“We urge all residents to save water and cut consumption to avoid dry taps and secure the future of the City,” added MMC  Buyeye.

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#SaveWaterNow

#EveryDropCounts

For more information please do not hesitate to contact Communications and Media Liaison Officer Mthubanzi Mniki at 0713813779 or mmniki@mandelametro.gov.za