Dam levels in KwaZulu-Natal experience a minimal drop this week
KwaZulu-Natal dam levels have experienced a minimal drop this week from 86.5% to 86.1% amid warnings of disruptive rains by the South African Weather Service forecast for the week.
One of the province’s largest dams, Albert-Falls, has decreased from 94.9% to 93.3%, while the Mearns Dam on the Mooi River has also decreased from 56.0% to 54.3%. Remaining unchanged from last week’s percentages are the Spioenkop, Driel Barrage, Woodstock and Zaaihoek Dams at 100.2%, 100.0%, 93.0% and 90.6% respectively.
Meanwhile the Umgeni Water Supply System which is the province’s main water supply system remains at an above average percentage while also experiencing a minimal decline at 95.3% from last week’s 95.8%.
On the contrast, Nagle Dam on the Umgeni River has increased from 84.2% to 100.5%. Also recording a minimal increase is Inanda Dam at 101.1% from last week’s 100.9%. Hazelmere Dam remains below average at 48.5%, and this is as work continues to raise its dam wall. Goedertrouw Dam which is part of the Mhlathuze Water Supply System has dropped from 98.3% to 97.8%.
The Department has reiterated its commitment to effectively implement long-term measures to address water scarcity concerns in the province. This follows a meeting earlier this week with the Mandlakazi Tribal Authority in Kwa-Nongoma which was led by Minister Senzo Mchunu.
During the meeting, Minister Mchunu provided progress reports on water and sanitation related bulk projects which are implemented by the Department in the province, with a specific focus on uMkhanyakude and Zululand Municipalities.
Part of the discussions were focused on the work being carried out to address emergency water provision and the Integrated Water Scheme for sustainable water provision in the two municipalities.
One of the interventions Minister Mchunu provided an update on is the upgrading of the Mandlakazi Water Treatment Works from 20Mega Litres per day to 30Mega Litres per day.
“The infrastructure is currently not operating at full capacity of 20MgL/day and as such, the current supply cannot match the required demand of almost 160 000 households at a demand of 60litres per capita per day. It is for this reason that we are working towards upgrading the infrastructure,” said the Department’s spokesperson Sputnik Ratau.
While work gets underway, the Department has urged residents to harvest rainwater during rainy days and use water sparingly.
Source: Government of South Africa