Welcome rain, but dam levels remain seriously low

WHILE recent rains had brought slight relief to parts of the Chris Hani district, the acute drought and water shortage remain.

Chris Hani District Municipality spokesman Thobeka Mqamelo said in a statement this week while some improved levels in underground sources and dams had been recorded, critical sources remained in the red.

Consumption of water was high, with a need for the municipality to continue its calls for people to save water.

“CHDM has commenced with awareness campaigns combined with the assessment of water leaks on premises. Priority is given to schools, government departments and businesses that are reflecting as high consumers with no operations that justify it. The awareness campaigns will continue to cover households.”

Mqamelo said readings on October 18 for dams monitored by CHDM and the Department of Water and Sanitation indicated that the Paradise Dam in Sterkstroom was at 85% with an increase in the dam level, with Jubilee Dam in Molteno at 35% with a decrease in the level. The Carnarvon Dam was at 85% with a decrease in the level with the Bonkolo Dam at about 12%, below measurable level.

The Waterdown Dam was at 73,89% with an increase in the level and the Xonxa Dam near Cacadu (of which the pipeline to Komani is set to become operational at year-end) at 100.45%.

The Machubeni Dam in Cacadu is at full capacity with the Munnik Dam near Dordrecht at 30%, a decrease attributed to the pumping of water to the Anderson Dam (currently at 37%) to increase its levels.

The Tsojana Dam at Cofimvaba is at 97.98% with an increase in its level with the nearby Ncora Dam at 99.15%. The Thompson’s Dam near Elliot is at 100%.

Executive mayor Kholiswa Vimbayo has called on the community to partner with the district municipality in promoting water saving and harvesting every drop of rain that falls, she said. – Rep reporter