Water and Sanitation Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane, has welcomed the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government’s efforts to coordinate a response to the current drought.

The province’s efforts to ensure citizens are informed and mobilised to use water responsibly was also appreciated.

Minister Mokonyane conducted a monitoring visit to the province on Monday to assess progress made with regards to drought relief interventions spearheaded by the department, in partnership with provincial and local government in the province.

In December 2014, the provincial government declared a disaster due to the adverse drought conditions the province was experiencing.

The current drought has been identified as being the worst since 1992.

Water services authorities adversely affected

Out of 14 water services authorities in the province, four are currently adversely affected. The main areas affected include the lower South Coast, Ilembe District Municipality, Richards Bay and Umkhanyakude District Municipality.

Previously, the eThekwini and Amajuba municipal areas were not included in areas under water pressures, but a recent assessment has since dictated that drought alerts and relief efforts be directed to the two areas as well.

During her meeting with the provincial government, led by Premier Senzo Mchunu and district mayors of the affected areas, Minister Mokonyane said the department was encouraged that people have taken seriously the call to conserve and use the available water resources sparingly.

She said since the water rationing commenced, they have witnessed a significant decline in the pace of water outflows from dams.

“The drought we are dealing with is based on low rainfall patterns, issues of climate change, inward migration of people towards economic centres and rapid urbanisation,” said Minister Mokonyane.

Interventions implemented

The Minister strongly directed municipalities to deal decisively with issues relating to water losses currently affecting the water system negatively.

“The amount of water we lose to leaks, illegal connections, vandalism and lack of operations maintenance is unacceptable. We must consolidate capacity in local government to ensure we manage our water resources efficiently to prevent excessive losses due to our inability to act decisively.”

The department has invested R352 million to assist the province to respond to the immediate challenges of water scarcity.

These resources have been used to ensure boreholes are drilled, water is ferried to communities in need and innovative solutions are implemented to promote the efficient use of water in households.

“We are pleased to share that the Lower Tugela Water Scheme will be operational by June 2016 to supply the North Coast with water and ease current pressures.

“As part of the mid-term solutions, the Hazelmere Dam wall will be raised and work in this regard has commenced and this will further increase the storage capacity of the dam for the benefit of the province,” the Minister announced.

Water and Sanitation Master Plan

The province has also been encouraged to look into the development of a Kwazulu-Natal Water and Sanitation Master Plan that will provide a 10-year outlook on the required investment in infrastructure and maintenance to ensure reliable water supply and delivery of sanitation.

Minister Mokonyane said they were engaging the property development sector and other industries to investigate ways of utilising water efficiently and utilising development methods less reliant on water.

The department will be working closely with the province to further consolidate all efforts and intervention in drought relief to ensure maximum impact and relief for consumers, both domestic and commercial.

On Wednesday, the Minister is expected to engage in community awareness programmes at the Lifestyle Mall in Ballito and then later in the day she will visit the Tongaat and Hazelmere Dams, where a prayer service will be held.