WATER donations have been streaming in for residents of Hankey and Patensie ahead of the towns’ annual “dry period”.
Cash donations can now also be made to assist affected communities with water, as well as for additional support to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in these towns, said Kouga Executive Mayor, Horatio Hendricks.
The number of active COVID-19 cases totalled 36 for Hankey and 64 for Patensie at the beginning of the week, according to statistics released by the Department of Health.
Kouga Infrastructure and Engineering Portfolio Councillor, Bryan Dhludhlu, said the so-called “dry period” took place annually when the water supply to the towns was turned off for essential maintenance of the canals.
“Hankey and Patensie receive water from the Kouga Dam via the canals, which are maintained by the Gamtoos Irrigation Board,” he explained. “They have confirmed that the water to the canals will be turned off at 18:00 on Friday evening for essential maintenance work.”
He said the dry period was scheduled to last till July 26.
“There will be sufficient water in the system to sustain the towns for a few days and water will also be pumped from the Wolwekloof dam to increase availability,” he said.
“The water tanks that have been installed in the towns will also be filled up regularly.”
Mayor Hendricks said that despite the contingency measures, the water situation was dire.
“The level of the Kouga Dam has dropped to below 7%, which means the towns face serious water shortages even outside the dry period.”
He said the equipping and connection of new boreholes to the towns’ water supply was ongoing but had been delayed due to the hard lockdown in April and subsequent COVID-19-related challenges on site. “We have, therefore, launched a water drive for Hankey and Patensie.
“I would like to thank all residents and businesses for their donations thus far,” he said. “Special mention must be made of AfriSave, who donated 20 000 litres of water over the weekend, as well as Pick n Pay at the Fountains Mall and Just Water for their generous donations of 5l bottles of water.”He said the water drive was ongoing and that donations could be dropped off at the Humansdorp Fire Station, St Francis Spar, the Pick n Pay court at the Fountains Mall, J’Bay Spar, Crystal Clear (formerly Just Water), Oasis Water, Vida Water and The Bay Pasta Co.
Cash donations can be paid into the Mayoral Fund, to assist communities in times of emergencies and disaster. The account details are as follows: First National Bank, branch code: 210515, account name: Mayors Intervention, account number: 62 082 103 591, account type: cheque account and reference: your initial and surname.
