City’s water capacity

I HAVE friends in Gauteng who are having an interesting dilemma.

They are wondering if they should come down to the Western Cape for the December holidays. And the reason for their concern? They are faced with two questions with seemingly contradicting answers. Can Cape Town’s water supply handle the influx of thousands of holidaymakers on top of the daily local demand? On the other hand, can Cape Town afford not to have the economic injection the holidaymakers bring? As wonderful as it is to enjoy the beauties of Cape Town, we need to be good stewards of the natural resources under our care.

Is it responsible to have a holiday in an area where there are serious doubts if the water resources can even carry the local population through the coming dry season?

The city council’s Facebook page and website does much to make us aware of the pending draught and some practical ways to save water. They also do much to ensure us of the continuous quality of our drinking water.

They do not, however, speak to the council’s capacity to absorb the holiday rush. Instead they are posting various events people could attend when they do visit.

They certainly are not actively campaigning that people don’t visit the Western Cape.

Is it safe to read into that, that they have done their homework and are happy for all and everyone to come holiday here?

May we request some advice from the City of Cape Town? What advice can I give my inland friends?

In these desperate times it may call for us to have a merry holiday in their homes. Renier du Plessis Somerset West