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The main water supply system in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Umgeni, remains above average at 103.7% from last week’s 100.9%. This is according to a weekly status of dam levels report issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation earlier this week, attributing the increase, albeit minimal, to the recent weekend rains in some parts of the province. 

The province’s overall storage capacity has marginally increased from 92.1% recorded last week to 92.9%. When compared to a similar period last year, the dam levels stood at 73.3%. While the Department is pleased with the increase in most dams, it has expressed consolation to families who continue to bare the brunt of the floods caused by the weekend rainfall which have left some people without shelter. 

Hazelmere Dam on the Mdloti River has shot up from last week’s 53.1% to 73.9%. Zaaihoek Dam has remained unchanged at 90.6%, Inanda Dam is up from 102.0% to 107.0% and Mearns Dam is at 125.5% from 104.0%. Remaining unmoved are the Zaaihoek and Driel Barrage Dams at 90.6% and 86.6% respectively. 

Nagle Dam dropped slightly to 99,3% from 101,0%, Hluhluwe and Spring Grove Dams slightly increases to 83,1% and 103,2 respectively. The dams stood at 82.0% and 100.7% last week. 

While most of the dams have shown a significant improvement, some dams have marginally dropped such as Nagle Dam which has recorded 99.3%, down from last week’s 101.0%. 

The Department has called on residents to continue using water sparingly as it implements long-term measures to address water scarcity challenges experienced in some parts of the province.

“One project which is almost complete is the raising of the wall at Hazelmere Dam to ensure long term water supply to the eThekwini Metro. The project is due to be completed in the third quarter of 2022 at a cost of approximately R800 million,” said spokesperson Sputnik Ratau. 

In the Ugu District, Ratau said plans for the construction of the Cwabeni Dam which will supply additional water to the District are set in motion. 

“In addition, we are planning to commence with construction of the R750 million Steven Dlamini Dam in 2024, which will supply additional water to the Harry Gwala District. The R800 million Tugela-Goedertrouw Transfer Scheme to ensure long term water supply to the industrial area of Richards Bay is 64% complete, with construction having resumed in April 2022,” he said.

Stats Attached

Issued by  the Department of Water & Sanitation