The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality says its dam levels are fast approaching the 20% mark as their combined levels reached 24% last week.

Sibongile Dimbaza, Mayor Spokesperson, says tighter water restrictions are on the cards if the situation deteriorates further.

While the Nooitgedagt Low Level Water Scheme will provide additional water security to Nelson Mandela Bay, not all supply sources can be supplemented from the same water system Dimbaza notes.

Commitment from residents is required

With only 10.37% of recorded water supply, Kouga Dam is the most affected, while Churchill Dam languishes at 18.08%. The other dams, namely Groendal and Impofu, have a recorded supply of 48.37% and 36.81%, a clear sign of hard times ahead.

Dimbaza says the City will need to strengthen its water conservation efforts to avert a looming disaster.

“With no prediction of meaningful rains soon, the new water levels call for a renewed sense of commitment from all Metro residents, businesses and other relevant stakeholders,” he notes.

Consumption remains high

“While we acknowledge the impact the Municipality’s water saving awareness campaigns have had since their initial roll-out, the Metro continues to experience high water consumption from both domestic users and businesses,” he explains.

“As the administration, we wish to make a clarion call on residents to assist in preventing a drought disaster by monitoring their household consumption and further tightening their water conservation efforts,” he concludes.