City sets 800m litre target for water use
THE City says there has been a steady decline in the daily water consumption in the city, but has urged residents to reduce this even further as the hot summer months approach.
Mayco member for Utility Services, Ernest Sonnenberg, said: “There has been a steady decline in the volume of water used since last week, with total consumption standing at an average of 854 million litres per day, as opposed to 870– 890million litres in the week 14–21 November 2016”.
But Sonnenberg added consumption should not exceed 800 million litres per day as the city was still using too much water and thus could not guarantee that dams would not be depleted to dangerous levels by the end of summer.
“In the last week, the dam levels have declined by 1.3percent, from 55.8 percent to 54.5 percent.
“According to the City’s calculations, if residents are able to ensure that their water consumption over the coming summer months does not exceed their consumption over winter, we will be able to meet this target (800 million litres per day),” said Sonnenberg.
“The City extends its thanks to those residents and industrial users who have contributed to this recent improvement; however, there are many who as yet have not addressed their wastefulness. We would like to encourage these users to visit http:// www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater for water saving hints and tips.”
Sonnenberg further urged residents and industrial users to continue raising awareness around the issue and to report water wastage where they saw it. “All residents should please do their part in disseminating this message, and reporting contraventions to water. restrictions@capetown.gov.za where necessary.”
Meanwhile, while welcoming delegates to the inaugural African Agri Investment Indaba earlier this week, MEC for Economic Opportunities Alan Winde had a warning or two and some advice to share.
Winde first warned delegates about the ongoing drought in South Africa, saying “we are under pressure”, before urging everyone to do their bit and use water sparingly. Winde then suggested one way that people could help was by drinking wine instead of water, adding there were also delicious local grape juices for those who didn’t drink alcohol.
The MEC, whose portfolio includes agriculture, had another warning and some advice for people visiting Africa for the first time.
He said the dust in Africa was likely to get under their skin and would probably cause an itching sensation when they returned home.
There were two possible treatments for this, he said. They could either immediately book another trip to Africa, or buy African products, which could be used as an antidote.