WATER rationing has resumed at Hankey and Patensie, with the level of the Kouga Dam at a mere 8,73% on Monday.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the water will initially be turned off for only six hours daily, from 9am to 3pm,” says Kouga Infrastructure and Engineering Portfolio Councillor Bryan Dhludhlu.
“Residents are encouraged to make provision for water to wash their hands during the shutdown hours, as good hygiene remains an important preventative measure in the fight against the coronavirus.”
He says there were several ways that a 2l cold drink bottle could be used for hand washing.
“One of the simplest ways is to cut open the bottom of the bottle.
“Make two holes near the bottom and attach a string or a shoelace to it, so that you can hang the bottle upside down. Make sure the cap is properly closed and fill the bottle.
“Use the cap like a tap and open it a little bit for the water to trickle out when you need to wash your hands.”
He further encourages residents, where possible, to make use of water from the tanks that have been installed at Hankey and Patensie.
“A total of 33 new tanks were installed in these towns during April to make access to water easier for residents, especially those living in informal settlements.”
“Water is transported from Humansdorp to fill up the new tanks, as well as those that were installed previously.
Dhludhlu says boreholes had been drilled to increase the water supply to the towns, which are both wholly dependent on the Kouga Dam for water.
“The connection of the boreholes to the water supply was delayed because of the lockdown; however, the contractor is back on site.
“If all goes according to plan, the boreholes will be brought on line by the end of July.”
Water rationing has not yet been introduced to Kouga towns that receive water from the Churchill, Impofu and Loerie Dams.
“The levels of these dams are, however, also dangerously low and water restrictions remain in place across the region.”
