ETHEKWINI REASSURES VISITORS OF ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE AMID WATER CURTAILMENT MEASURES
The Water and Sanitation Unit in collaboration with uMngeni-uThukela Water and Durban Tourism hosted a successful stakeholder engagement session at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on the 18th October 2024.
The engagement saw tour operators, tour guides, accommodations, B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, eateries, shisanyama/lounges, and community tourism organisations convene to discuss the City’s strategy of managing water demand through the implementation of water curtailment that was implemented by the City a week ago.
The tourism sector was reassured that there would be no water shutdown; however, stakeholders were urged to continue using water sparingly during this period.
Umngeni-uThukela Water Executive Operations Manager Phokola Maponya said the main objective of the water curtailment is to proactively manage water resources and prevent the need for more drastic measures in the future. He said the curtailment will only reduce the volume of water abstracted from the uMngeni system to their licensed volumes of 470 million megalitres per annum (m3/annum), meaning a reduction on the current sales and abstraction volume of 8.4 percent.
The tourism sector was reassured that there would be no water shutdown; however, stakeholders were urged to continue using water sparingly during this period.
Umngeni-uThukela Water Executive Operations Manager Phokola Maponya said the main objective of the water curtailment is to proactively manage water resources and prevent the need for more drastic measures in the future. He said the curtailment will only reduce the volume of water abstracted from the uMngeni system to their licensed volumes of 470 million megalitres per annum (m3/annum), meaning a reduction on the current sales and abstraction volume of 8.4 percent.
Implementation of water curtailment over a period of 12 months will ensure the sustainability of water during this critical time.
Sandile Cele from the City’s Water and Sanitation Unit said to ensure residents are not adversely affected, the City is implementing interventions such as installing and replacing water meters to unmetered consumers, managing water pressure, and improving the turnaround time to repair leaks though the deployment of ward-based plumbers. He urged everyone to use water sparingly to ensure there would be enough water available in the future.
These interventions are designed to ensure continuous access to water for everyone.
Tourists and visitors coming to Durban can be assured that these measures will not impact on their experience and enjoyment of the vibrant City during the festive season.
Sandile Cele from the City’s Water and Sanitation Unit said to ensure residents are not adversely affected, the City is implementing interventions such as installing and replacing water meters to unmetered consumers, managing water pressure, and improving the turnaround time to repair leaks though the deployment of ward-based plumbers. He urged everyone to use water sparingly to ensure there would be enough water available in the future.
These interventions are designed to ensure continuous access to water for everyone.
Tourists and visitors coming to Durban can be assured that these measures will not impact on their experience and enjoyment of the vibrant City during the festive season.
Durban Tourism is committed to actively engaging with the tourism and hospitality industry to raise awareness and educate them about saving water, especially with the expected influx of visitors this holiday season.
A key focus of the engagement was encouraging consumers to use water sparingly to secure access for the future.
Acting Senior Manager of Tourism Services James Cele said Durban remains committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all its guests and appreciates the tourism sector for their cooperation in managing water resources responsibly.
For more information on water curtailment please visit https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/residents/water-and-sanitation-services
A key focus of the engagement was encouraging consumers to use water sparingly to secure access for the future.
Acting Senior Manager of Tourism Services James Cele said Durban remains committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all its guests and appreciates the tourism sector for their cooperation in managing water resources responsibly.
For more information on water curtailment please visit https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/residents/water-and-sanitation-services