eThekwini Prepares for Water Curbs in Response to High Demand
In a bid to address the escalating water demand exceeding supply capacities, eThekwini municipality has announced that forthcoming water restrictions will commence next Thursday. This decision follows an extensive review and planning session by the city’s Water and Sanitation Unit, led by Ednick Msweli.
During a detailed presentation at a recent council meeting, Msweli outlined the core issues exacerbating the water crisis, including the impact of rapid urban expansion, deteriorating infrastructure, and widespread instances of illegal water connections. These factors collectively contribute to unsustainable levels of water consumption across the region.
“To effectively manage the situation, our initial focus will be on minimising water losses and subsequently reducing demand at the household level,” Msweli informed council members. He highlighted ongoing consultations with the Department of Water and Sanitation, emphasising the need to bring down Durban’s average daily water usage, which currently stands above recommended norms.
Central to the municipality’s strategy is the installation of water restrictors directly at metre points across various communities. This measure aims to enforce strict controls on water usage irrespective of individual consumption patterns, thereby ensuring equitable distribution and conservation of this vital resource.
Msweli urged local ward councillors to actively support the initiative, stressing the importance of community engagement and compliance in achieving sustainable water management goals.
These measures reflect eThekwini’s proactive stance in confronting water scarcity challenges, underscoring a commitment to securing long-term water sustainability for its residents.
