RESIDENTS of Hankey and Patensie are urged to use water extremely sparingly – with the Kouga Dam water level at a mere 15%.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Horatio Hendricks, said that although the water rationing to these towns have been suspended for the duration of the 21-day Covid-19 lockdown, it does not mean that the severe drought is over. He said water usage in towns increased to more than 60% over the quota last week
“We have been installing extra water tanks at informal settlements and rural areas in the Gamtoos Valley area to increase the availability of water during lockdown,” he said.
“These tanks are being filled up with water from Humansdorp so as not to put extra pressure on the Kouga Dam, which is the only supply dam feeding Hankey and Patensie.”
He said Humansdorp also had access to spring and ground water, which was used to augment the supply to that town.
“Municipal staff have, therefore, been drawing extra water from these springs to ensure enough water is treated at the purification plant for both Humansdorp and the tanks in the Gamtoos Valley area during lockdown.”
A total of 100 tanks were installed at Hankey, Patensie and surrounding areas, including Loerie and Thornhill, last week.
Extra tanks are also being installed at informal and rural areas in and around Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp and St Francis.
A total of 100 tanks are set to be installed at informal areas in Ocean View this week, while additional chemical toilets were delivered earlier this week.
Hendricks also called on residents of other Kouga towns to continue using water sparingly. “The level of the Impofu Dam has dropped to about 16%. This is the biggest dam serving our other towns, which makes it critical that everyone uses water wisely.”
Emphasising that strict water restrictions remain in place, Hendricks said that while washing one’s hands regularly for at least 20 seconds was one of the best precautions against Covid-19, it was not necessary to keep the tap running for the full period.
The World Health Organisation suggests applying a palmful of soap or hand washing liquid to a cupped hand, and rubbing hands palm to palm, while interlacing your fingers to cover every surface of your hands.
This should be done for at least 20 seconds. Rinse and dry your hands properly.
“If you are using more water to wash your hands and surfaces, try and save it elsewhere,” he recommended.
“A toilet is one of the biggest water users in the house. By saving your shower or bath water and using this to flush the toilet, you can save a lot of water.” – REPORTER
