According to reports more than 500,000 people in Kwazulu-Natal are facing increased risk of disease as a result of the continuing drought.

Diminishing water in rivers and streams has impacted heavily on North Coast communities with farmers suffering the most.

In June this year, with the Hazelmere Dam level at ‘just below 30%,’ Durban residents were warned that if they did not use water sparingly, taps could run dry.

Current capacity at the dam has not improved, with its level at 28.56% (last updated on 21 October 2015) and news of large scale water-theft and hijacking of water tankers, further exacerbating an already critical situation.

There seems to be some hope and possible reprieve that the start of the rainy season will alleviate the situation. However, the impact of climate change is a very real phenomenon offering no guarantee that the situation would change for the better.

Everyone who opens their tap and takes it for granted that water will flow without interruption has to have an urgent and serious change of mind-set and attitude.

Water conservation methods and ideas need to be implemented post-haste.

At the same time, one must never forget the power of prayer to save us from any affliction in nature.

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

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

Darul Ihsan Media Desk

PUBLISHED: Daily News, Monday 26 October 2015