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Metro launches a single source of information for all drought related information – WhatsApp Bot Ready to Chat

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On Friday 10 th May, the Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Buyelwa Mafaya led a delegation of officials during a Water Crisis Friday awareness drive, visiting the red zone located stretch of Nelson Mandela Bay hotels. The purpose of the visit to these popular establishments is to encourage hotels and the hospitality sector to join civil society and all citizens in amplifying the message, to save water and push back day zero.

Nelson Mandela Bay is currently experiencing severe drought induced water crisis, compounded by ageing infrastructure, susceptible to regular water leaks. On Thursday the 9 th , the Metro and officials representing the national government intervention, met with representatives of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber to thrash out areas of collaboration and partnerships. The parties agreed to an urgent follow up meeting to finalize modalities that would see several chamber member companies joining the effort to deal with devastating water leaks.

Also on Friday, Cllr Mafaya launched the first of a kind Water Saver WhatsApp line, an innovation introduced by the Mandela Bay Development Agency. The 064 744 7721 WhatsApp number is zero rated and automated by purpose-built robot “Bot”. The Water Savers Bot interacts with the user, answering pertinent questions and serving relevant information such as water saving tips, water collection points, lists of red zone areas, water use guide and geotagging water leaks reporting widget.

Mafaya says, “the fight to push back day zero needs every citizen in the Bay, every business and every institution. Water is life, and many jobs in the Bay depend on access to water” She concludes, “now is not the time for blame or finger pointing, water is running out. We need to get through this phase and once it is over, then we must deal with all the factors that led to this situation so that we never find ourselves in this situation again”

The Metro JOC also appeals to all Broadcasters within the Nelson Mandela Bay area, to play their part, and consider incorporating daily dam water capacity and the self-help number (send water to 064 744 7721) as part of the news bulletin, keeping residents informed and up to date.

The NMBM JOC Drought Mitigation Committee urges all water users to continuously check on the water meters to observe consumption, where possible to recycle water, and to report water leaks by calling 0800 20 5050 or email waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za or to get all important information, simply WhatsApp water to 064 744 7721.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.