DURBAN - The consistent water supply problems in the Ugu District Municipality has an impact on tourism said Ugu South Coast Tourism.
The Ugu District Municipality stated on their Facebook account that due to high demand/usage of water and low plant production, the southern system is taking strain resulting in low pressure in Margate and surrounding areas.
The reservoirs were filled overnight and they were expecting areas with low pressure and no water to start receiving supply. The municipality said their teams were on the ground to ensure this was fast-tracked.
The Umthavuna system had been affected when a raw water rising main scour valve was vandalised on Monday. A boilermaker and supervisor were assigned to repair the damaged scour. The coastal and inland supply had been shut pending repairs. The municipality apologised for any inconvenience caused.
On Facebook, Piet Fred Malan, said: “You people cannot handle the extra people coming to the South Coast for the holidays and long weekends, why won't you admit this? This happens without fail every holiday, long weekends as well as in between, it is pathetic.”
Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) said it was aware of the challenges associated with water shortages experienced by various parts of the KZN South Coast.
CEO of USCT, Phelisa Mangcu empathised with all local businesses and holidaymakers impacted by this, particularly at a time when the tourism economy is beginning to recover.
“Ugu District Municipality – which is responsible for the water supply – is aware of the impact this has on tourism and have indicated to us that they are addressing it as a matter of urgency. The municipality has established a committee, which includes Ugu South Coast Tourism, to oversee such challenges impacting the tourism industry.
“Measures are being taken to address the water situation in the long-term, but for the interim, the municipality will continue to dispatch water tankers to all affected areas and encourage tourism establishments, where possible, to install water retention tanks.”
A visitor, Hendrik Els, wrote on Ugu Complaints Facebook page: “On behalf of me and my family, we want to say thank you to Port Edward and the community for your friendliness, helpfulness and cheerful personalities during our holiday here. Thank you to the Methodist Church for the water, NG Church for the Christmas service, every shop and restaurant we went to, thank you for your help and assistance. We are sorry for the businesses that were unable to do business without water, we also have businesses at home and we know how hard it is. But still, keep going, guys! We appreciate it from our hearts. We are thinking about all of you and keeping you in our prayers as a town and community.”
Daily News