Plea to tourists as Day Zero comes closer

THE ongoing water crisis, coupled with the yearly tourism surge in the Western Cape, has spurred national tourism agency South African Tourism to appeal to locals and holidaymakers alike to use water sparingly and responsibly this festive season.

According to the City’s water dashboard, dam levels stand at 33%, with usable water at 23%.

Day Zero – the day the City will turn off most taps – has been moved closer by two weeks, to April 29, as water use continues to surge, as the summer months set in.

Day Zero will come when dam levels reach 13.5%. At this stage, residents will have to collect water daily from around 200 collection sites across the city. Although some essential services will stay connected, almost all residential suburbs will be cut off.

According to the City’s water dashboard, all of the seven major water augmentation plans, including the completion of the V&A Waterfront desalination plant and the harnessing of the Cape Flats aquifer, are behind schedule.

South African Tourism chief executive Sisa Ntshona said: “We know that this is peak holiday season in the Cape, but we want to send out an urgent appeal to tourism and hospitality businesses, as well as holidaymakers, to conserve water wherever possible. The situation has reached critical proportions and we cannot afford to ignore it.

“To those who have booked their holidays in water-scarce areas like Cape Town and Beaufort West, please be extra-vigilant and considerate when using water during this severe drought.

“South Africa has a variety of tourism offerings across its nine provinces. With ample value-for-money attractions spread around the country, holidaymakers are encouraged to explore more of the country,” he said.

Ntshona appealed to tourists, businesses and locals to embrace the principle of responsible tourism. Cape Town Tourism chief executive Enver Duminy said: “It’s imperative, especially at this time when we welcome visitors to our city, that saving water becomes our primary message and action; this focus on responsibility regarding our resources is what will ensure the long-term longevity and sustainability of the industry, for the benefit of locals and visitors alike.”

Residents and visitors are currently restricted to using 87 litres of treated water per person, per day, for drinking, washing and cooking.

Calculate your daily water usage by using the city’s water calculator at: http://bit.ly/ ThinkWaterCalculatorCT.