Over the past two weeks, water interruptions have become a contentious topic for several Newcastillians. But is the matter set to become worse?
Dr Dumisani Thabethe, head of communications at Newcastle Municipality, has said the Newcastle Municipality is looking at implementing Stage 1 water restrictions. He says this is due to the persistent drought and ongoing heatwaves.
“However, this matter needs to be tabled by both the local council and the Department Of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).”
Furthermore, Dr Thabethe says as of today, October 31, certain areas within Newcastle will experience water interruptions. These suburbs include Lennoxton Central and Arbor Park, which is largely due to low water levels at the Hilldrop reservoir.
Also read: Public Notice: Newcastle Municipality schedules water interruptions
“As a warning, we want to indicate that we are currently getting raw water from Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam pipelines and from the Ngagane River pump station. While we have our own internal challenges with water leaks and burst pipes, we humble ourselves and request people to use water sparingly,” Dr Thabethe explains.
He further encourages people to avoid watering their gardens and washing cars with hosepipes.
Dr Thabethe says once the matter has been tabled by Cogta and the local council, a schedule will then by approved following further consultation with Cogta and the Department of Water and Sanitation.
This is a serious matter which is affecting not only Newcastle but many communities across SA. The municipality does, however, need to crack on, with regards to the reported burst pipes as there are allegedly many leaking pipes which have not been fixed in weeks.
Apart from this, we as Newcastillians need to realise that this solution starts with us. Protect water as if it were a loved one’s life, because without it every life you love will suffer.
With the threat of water restrictions looming over Newcastle, what are your thoughts on the matter? Share your views and opinions with us in the comment section below.
Comments 2
The biggest joke is the pipes are fixed only for the same pipea to leak again. If you drive along the squatter areas the taps are left running and the kids are playing with the water. At Amanath the kids are having a merry time with the water in the play area….its sad we must fork out huge amounts on our accounts every month yet we are the ones that are punished. This town needs new fresh blood governing….the existing people are stagnant in their ideas n only letting this town go to ruins.
Cut the municipal execs salaries. Do proper maintenance- not only when pipes burst. There is enough water for gardens etc. Do maintenance in the areas who do not oay, and fine them if they waste water. Sorry but I will still water my garden.