Use old supply pipeline too

IF we draw 300 000m³ of water (currently the metro is using 285 000m³), from the Gariep Dam (at 60.3% at its current level) every day, it will last 30 years. Is that a scarcity of water? We know the following: ý Every two to three years our western supply comes under stress;

ý No other dams are being built or planned in that area (the last dam built, Impofu, was finished in 1982, 35 years ago);

ý The non-metro water consumption from the western dams is increasing due to farm expansion (citrus exports) and population growth in the Kouga region.

We have two pipelines to Motherwell, one old and the second, a R500-million pipeline (built during the last drought) from Addo, both being fed from the Gariep Dam.

Why not use the old pipe to supplement the western supply, with untreated water? We know the western supply will never increase! Use our money to build a pipeline from Motherwell to the western supply line to ensure future and continued water supply.

Even when water restrictions are in place, the metro still earns the same money or more (as in the increased margin) from us by charging us more for using less.

Yes, we know water is a scarce resource and must be used sparingly, but dear metro, please use our money correctly to serve our water needs and not your salaries.