It confirms after the recent drought, citizens should consider other alternatives, including the use of underground water. The departmental spokesperson, Larry Crisp, says water from boreholes should also be used sparingly as many parts of the province remain without water. 

He, however, warns it is important to test underground water in order to determine if it can be consumed by humans and animals. He adds most people who have boreholes are considered to be saving on their water bills.

Crisp, in a statement, meanwhile highlights that “the lesson learned during this drought period is that the groundwater remains an important source of water because in cases where the distance was too long to use trucks to ferry water, this option had to be explored”.

Crisp’s statement on the importance of water conservation comes just a day after OFM News reported on how water and sanitation minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, lamented the non-payment of water boards by municipalities in the country.

She, on Tuesday, confirmed R12.6 billion is owed to water boards by municipalities and that their escalating debt is a great cause of concern.

Tabling the national department’s budget for the 2021/22 financial year, Sisulu said more needs to be done to stabilise municipalities in the different provinces and to ensure that there is a sustainable water supply. She confirmed a substantial amount of the department’s R16.9 billion budget will go towards addressing the water crisis experienced in the country.

Whilst she acknowledged most municipalities are battling to sustain water projects and infrastructure, she appealed to all citizens to help address the water crisis by paying for their services and using water sparingly.

OFM News