Dear Editor

The critical KZN drought/water crisis needs to be heeded by all consumers of water.

Water rationing has already been put into place in many areas and the Hazelmere Dam level is recorded at 28.39% (30 June 2015).

Umgeni Water has pointed out that the Hazelmere Dam reduced inflows are due to the worst drought in 30 years.

In an effort to augment water resource availability in the Hazelmere Dam an emergency pipeline has been constructed by Umgeni Water to transfer water from the uTongathi River to the dam.

However, Umgeni Water has pointed out “that the emergency scheme cannot, on its own, prevent the failure of the dam. This is the responsibility of the consumer and demand has to be reduced.”

Water saving/conservation tips abound on the internet and consumers need to adopt a culture and habit of saving water throughout their lives - not only during periods of drought.

Perhaps the preponderance of load shedding in South Africa has overshadowed the importance of the water crisis and has made consumers complacent.

This is a dangerous scenario - consumers need a wake-up call and have to change their mind-set.

We must not - even for a moment - forget that ‘water is life!’

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

SENT TO: Independent on Saturday, The Mercury, Daily News, The Witness

Darul Ihsan Media Desk

*PUBLISHED: Independent on Saturday - Saturday, 04 July 2015