Residents warned to use water sparingly as drought persists
Water utility Rand Water has warned Gauteng residents to use water sparingly as water shortage looms due to lack of rainfall.
Rand Water warned on Friday of possible bulk water supply problems for the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
“Persistent high temperatures in Rand Water’s area of supply continue to strain its bulk water supply system. The lack of rainfall in Gauteng is exacerbating the situation. All consumers must use water responsibly and sparingly,” said Rand Water spokesman Justice Mohale.
However, authorities in Johannesburg have indicated that the city’s water reservoirs remain stable, despite the call to residents to save water.
South Africa was experiencing persistent drought and very hot temperatures, with KwaZulu-Natal the worst affected. KwaZulu-Natal was this week declared a “disaster area” owing to the drought.
Tshwane had started implementing temporary water restrictions following the warning by Rand Water.
The restrictions cautioned watering or irrigation of gardens with hose pipes or sprinkler systems during the day, washing of vehicles with hose pipes and filling of swimming pools.
The Tshwane water restrictions were implemented over the weekend.
Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane would on Sunday brief media on the country’s drought problem and how this was being tackled. - ANA
(File photo: Gallo Images)