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AFTER heavy rainfall in the drought-stricken Nelson Mandela Bay over the past two weeks, residents can breathe a deep sigh of relief as the dam levels rose to 47.20% of total combined capacity as of September 15.
The water levels at Kouga Dam rose from a mere 6.8% two weeks ago to a whopping 42.68%. The Churchill dam is 100% full, the Impofu dam is at 32.52%, Loerie dam at 100% and Groendal dam at 55.84%.
Reports have indicated that in some areas more than 100mm of rain and up to 200mm have been recorded in the catchment areas.
Municipal spokesperson, Mthubanzi Mniki, said, “We are pleased that the rain came our way. However, we are far from the water crisis being solved. We have to continue to use water sparingly.”
The Impofu dam and Churchill dam are two of the five major dams that supply Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Kouga Local Municipality with drinking water.
However, the Churchill remains the smallest dam and is a third of the Impofu dam, which carries approximately 25% of the Kouga dam’s capacity.
Although the dam levels are rising, the municipality still remains cautious and water restrictions are still in place.
“Water restrictions are still in place until an announcement is made from the municipality.
“The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure, Engineering, Electricity and Energy, Andile Lungisa, and the Executive Mayor, Mongameli Bobani, are currently planning on how to adjust the tariffs following the rainfall we have received,” Mniki added.
The municipality has warned all residents to use water sparingly, which may result in the installation of water restricters to heavy water users.
