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Water curtailment implemented throughout eThekwini
The uMngeni-uThukela Water Board has implemented water curtailment throughout eThekwini Municipality, effective from today, to reduce the volume of water abstracted from the uMngeni system.
This follows a recent announcement made jointly by eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba and the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board.
The water curtailment is being implemented at the directive of the Department of Water and Sanitation, which issued a notice to uMngeni-uThukela Water Board to 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%.
Xaba said the curtailment is aimed at enabling continued water availability, including during periods of below-average rainfall.
“The risk of not enforcing the abstraction limit is that should a drought occur, there would not be sufficient water in the system for uMngeni-uThukela Water to continue providing the eThekwini Municipality with a reliable water supply,” Xaba said.
Xaba emphasised that the water curtailment is not water shedding, where there is a schedule for water cuts at certain times.
“The purpose of the water curtailment is to avoid water shedding by bringing down the total volume used in a controlled manner,” Xaba said.
The mayor reiterated his call to eThekwini residents to use water sparingly to assist in reducing high water consumption.
“The demand for water in eThekwini far outstrips supply, and we continue to plead with all stakeholders - both our residential and business customers - to work with us to address this challenge. Some of the contributing factors to the high-water usage include rapid urbanisation, and aging infrastructure, which causes water leaks and illegal connections,” Xaba said.
The average water consumption in eThekwini is very high, as it is between 270 and 298 litres per capita (person) per day (l/c/d), compared to the international average of 173 l/c/d.
Xaba said the curtailment is expected to be implemented for a period of 12 months, and during this process, the city’s teams will be monitoring the system and manage excessive water demand.
In ensuring that residents are not adversely affected, the city will be implementing the following interventions:
• Installation of restrictors in water metres to all consumers.
• Pressure reduction in the reticulation network.
• Metering all unmetered consumers.
• Improving turnaround time in repairing leaks and pipe bursts through deployment of ward-based plumbers.
• Community education in water conservation.
• Disconnection of illegal connections. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 14:21
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s acknowledgment of the game-changing visa reforms spearheaded by Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber. We appreciate the President’s recognition of this bold and significant step by Minister Schreiber towards unlocking job creation and economic growth. Minister Schreiber’s introduction of the Remote Work Visitor Visa …
South Africa’s leading sports betting operator, Hollywoodbets, is excited to announce the renewal of its partnership with the South African Football Journalists’ Association (SAFJA) for the fourth year, reaffirming its commitment to supporting local football. This continued sponsorship highlights Hollywoodbets’ dedication to growing the sport, particularly through its backing of women’s football. The awards ceremony …
More tributes for former Judge Heath
Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Advocate Andy Mothibi, has expressed condolences to the family and friends of former Judge Willem Heath, following his death this week.
Heath served as the first head of the corruption busting unit. The SIU's foundation can be traced back to 1995 when former Judge Heath led the Heath Commission of Inquiry. The commission’s groundbreaking work revealed a critical gap in law enforcement, highlighting the need for a permanent body to address fraud, corruption, and maladministration - a role the SIU continues to fulfil today.
Under Heath’s leadership, the Heath Commission investigated incidents of fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the Eastern Cape, earning widespread recognition for its achievements. His leadership helped establish a strong stance against corruption and introduced proactive measures to safeguard State resources, solidifying the SIU's role as a guardian of the public purse.
Heath began his career as a prosecutor before establishing a successful private practice, where he made significant contributions to the legal field. Appointed by former President Nelson Mandela in 1995, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), one of the country’s foremost corruption-fighting agencies.
Under his stewardship, the SIU undertook critical investigations that set new benchmarks for public sector accountability, ensuring that justice and integrity prevailed.
“Former Judge Heath’s unwavering dedication to eradicating corruption and upholding the rule of law has left an indelible mark on our nation’s judiciary and public life.
“As the SIU, we will carry forward Judge Heath’s legacy and values and pledge to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability that the late judge championed throughout his career. His wisdom, fairness, and steadfast commitment to justice will be deeply missed by the members of the SIU, the legal fraternity, and the entire country,” Mothibi said.
The unit paid homage to Heath as a “pivotal figure in the fight against corruption” and for laying the foundation for the formation of the SIU.
“Former Judge Heath, often referred to as ‘the people’s judge’, was approached by former President Nelson Mandela and the then-Minister of Justice, Dullah Omar, to assist the Department of Justice and the Office of the State Law Advisor in drafting the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act. He subsequently became the inaugural head of the SIU.
“Under former Judge Heath’s leadership, the Heath Commission investigated incidents of fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the Eastern Cape, earning widespread recognition for its achievements.
“His leadership helped establish a strong stance against corruption and introduced proactive measures to safeguard state resources, solidifying the SIU's role as a guardian of the public purse,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 14:51
The laws “have not deterred … the selling or buying of sex … and are not rationally capable of doing so. They merely create greater stigma and vulnerability among sex workers and violate their rights”.
8 October 2024 – Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis has announced the 23-player squad that will participate in the European Tour from 21 – 31 October 2024. The announcement was held at the SABC Studios in Auckland Park on Tuesday ahead of the African Champion’s high-profile international friendly matches against Denmark and England. The […]
The post Ellis names Banyana squad for European Tour first appeared on SAFA.net.
Cities like Gqeberha are pretty starved when it comes to Top Flight sport at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The Springboks snubbed Gqeberha in 2024, The Eastern Province Rugby Team is a shadow of it’s former glory and the Southern Kings a historic Wikipedia entry. BUT, all is not lost as South Africa’s National Football …
Amsterdam, Netherlands – October 10, 2024 – At the World AI Summit 2024, Humaine, a pioneering human-centric AI marketing agency, officially launched its South African and European operations yesterday. The timing of this debut couldn’t be more significant, as the global conversation around responsible and ethical AI deepens. Humaine shared its innovative emerging technology solutions …
Today, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, handed over a total of 82 title deeds to beneficiaries. These title deeds were handed to 69 beneficiaries in Blompark, Gansbaai, seven beneficiaries in Pearly Beach, and six beneficiaries in Stanford. The housing development projects in Blompark and Stanford are still ongoing and will deliver more housing …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decisive action taken by the SAPS in Limpopo, where a 43-year-old sergeant has been arrested in connection with six murders, allegedly carried out since 2019. This arrest follows a lengthy investigation that has linked the officer to a disturbing series of insurance-related killings, where she is accused …
Macpherson welcomes appointment of DDG Lwazi Mahlangu
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson has welcomed Cabinet’s appointment of Lwazi Mahlangu as the Deputy Director-General for Governance, Risk and Compliance within the department.
The appointment follows the Ministers intention to fill critical vacancies within the department which has seen acting officials for a number of years.
“Mr Mahlangu’s appointment will go a long way to bring leadership and stability to a critical division within the department as we work to build a strong foundation to end corruption and improve service delivery,” Macpherson said on Thursday.
This as Mahlangu’s appointment was announced at a post Cabinet media briefing addressed by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday.
“Mr Mahlangu brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served in it in an acting capacity, and over the years he has earned the respect of public officials.
“Together with other actions we are taking in the department such as the readvertisement of Deputy Director-General positions and the reform of the Human Resources Department, I believe that we are building a professional public service within the department,” he said.
Within 100 days in office, Minister Macpherson has taken decisive action to stabilise the public service within the department having appointed Carmen-Joy Abrahams as Acting Deputy Director-General of Corporate Services to addresses concerns about irregular practices.
Abrahams has also been asked to complete a skills audit of all those in the Senior Management Service of the department to ensure it has the skills necessary to fill full its mandate.
Following the closure of applications for further senior positions, Minister Macpherson said the department will move with speed to conduct interviews and take those outcomes to Cabinet.
“There is truly a new energy within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to take action to stabilise the department and improve service delivery.
“We will build on this momentum to implement meaningful reforms within the department to turn South Africa into a construction site and use public assets for public good. Let us build South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 15:05
Nomawethu Mabenge (wing) and the uncapped Nombuyekezo Mdliki (prop) have been drafted into the Springbok Women squad as injury replacements and were included in the match-23 for South Africa’s final WXV 2 match, against Italy at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday. Mabenge will slot straight into the right-wing berth held by Jakkie Cilliers …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned by the revelation that there is a shortfall of 202 community service posts for medical graduates in the upcoming 2025 Annual Cycle. This shortfall, confirmed through a DA parliamentary question (PQ RNW1076), means that hundreds of newly qualified South African medical professionals will not have guaranteed …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls for immediate action to address the cholera bacteria detected in sections of the Harts and lower Vaal Rivers, as announced by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). This contamination, from Christiana to Douglas Weir, threatens communities in the North West and Northern Cape, and requires a swift, …
Standard Bank, the biggest bank in Africa by assets, has once again won international recognition, this time from Forbes Magazine for being one of the World’s Best Employers. Standard Bank has been ranked 18th in the world, amongst the top 850 large multinational organisations. The Bank emerged as the highest ranked company from Africa and …
Avoiding needless tax deductions to your limited retirement savings is important consideration when planning for retirement. Having a diversified portfolio is key to ensuring the security and growth of your savings and investments portfolio. This is true for all life stages of investing, those saving for retirement, nearing retirement and those that are retired. Ilse …
Tomorrow, 11 October 2024, the DA in the Eastern Cape will be joined by a delegation from the Taiwanese government to deliver donations to an NPO in Mthatha and to families who lost loved ones in the recent tragic mass killings in Lusikisiki. DA EC Provincial Chairperson Yusuf Cassim MPL, DA Deputy Chief Whip in …
Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson has named his side to face Australia in the final round of the WXV 2 competition. Easson has made seven changes from last week’s side which faced Japan, with Leia Brebner-Holden set to make her first start for Scotland at scrum-half, with Helen Nelson outside of her at stand-off. …
A big test awaits South Africa’s four Vodacom United Rugby Championship franchises as they all play abroad this weekend for the first time this season in a round that could boost their confidence immensely if they come away with the desired results. Benetton will host the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Italy in the first of three …
After Upgrading to KRN 2 I get an Error 017 How do I know that I entered my Key Change Tones Successfully Why you need to keep those Key Change Token numbers until 2025 After upgrading my prepaid meter it won’t top up We recently supplied a new Prepaid Water Meter Keypad to a local …
The Western Cape Mobility Department, in collaboration with the Swartland Municipality, is excited to announce the Malmesbury Bicycle Day, which will take place on Saturday, 12 October 2024, in Malmesbury. Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Silkeu, said, “This event is part of the Mobility Department’s Provincial Sustainable Transport Programme (PSTP), which aims to promote …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng will write to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s (GPL) ethics committee to investigate the allegations against Premier Panyaza Lesufi for failing to act against corruption in the Department of Social Development. The DA is in possession of forensic reports from Bowmans and BDO, which highlight the gross corruption, …
Warning against consumption of raw water amid cholera bacteria
The Department of Water and Sanitation has warned communities and water users along the Harts and Vaal Rivers in North West and Northern Cape to be careful when using raw, or untreated water from the rivers.
The warning comes after a routine raw water sampling in September from five sites, including Wentzel Dam, Schweizer Reneke, Christiana, Barkley West Caravan Park and Douglas weir, which indicated the presence of cholera.
“Communities are advised not to drink or come into contact with the raw water from the rivers. Follow up sampling on the river is in process and will indicate extent and area of caution,” the department said.
The department said communities under the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mopati, Francis Baard and Pixley ka Seme District Municipalities as well as the water services authorities in the area have been requested to take extra care in the water treatment process, disinfection and chlorination of the water.
The chlorination of water is effective in safeguarding water from the risk of cholera.
The department said the Naledi, Greater Taung, Leekwa Teemane, Magareng, Dikgatlong Sol Plaatje, Siyacuma and Phokwane Municipalities treat water from the rivers to ensure it is safe for consumption.
“Water is tested to ensure safe drinking water [and] water not meeting the required standard would not be supplied for drinking and domestic use. The Vaal River is a ‘workhorse river’ serving the Gauteng, Free State, Northwest and Northern Cape provinces supplying water to various users for domestic, industrial, mine and agricultural use that contribute to nutrients in the river.
“All possible pollution sources from Bloemhof Dam to Douglas are considered, specifically from the discharge of wastewater treatment works. The required compliance monitoring and enforcement activities will continue to ensure compliance,” the department said.
The department reiterated that rivers, including dams and streams, containing raw or untreated water are not suitable for human consumption.
“We therefore urge members of the public to avoid consuming untreated water sourced from such water bodies unless it is first disinfected. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has also set out guidelines that should be followed regarding safe drinking water.
“The municipalities are encouraged to instruct water users to boil their water for drinking purposes as extra safety precaution where the results from the laboratory or operational monitoring may indicate a risk,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 12:20