Government Urges Public to Conserve Water Amidst Growing Crisis.

By: Zilungile Mkhize

The government is urging all citizens to use water sparingly as the country’s water resources are under severe pressure due to a growing population, the effects of global warming, and water leaks.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmie Majodina says saving water is not just a good habit it is a necessity.

The minister told members of Parliament during a debate today that households and businesses are encouraged to implement water-wise measures.

Majodina adds that a dripping tap can waste up to 15 litres of water per day.

“Let us all use water sparingly; this is the precious resource that must be conserved. The leaks are a result of underbudgeting for infrastructure maintenance by municipalities.

“We must also ensure that we disconnect illegal connections, and we must all fight vandalism of water infrastructure. It will only be possible for Rand Water and Umgeni-Thukela water boards to abstract more water at the Vaal and at Umgeni water systems once these major new dam projects are complete,” says Majodina.