The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate stated that the metro is still experiencing a spike in water usage, with daily consumption exceeding targets following the festive season. While water demand typically rises during the holidays, officials say the sustained high usage is concerning, particularly as the country faces a worsening water crisis.
During the festive season, the City launched a campaign featuring its water-wise mascot, Manzi, who visited popular beaches to encourage responsible water use and behaviour. Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, said residents and visitors must continue to play their part in protecting the city’s water resources.
“Part of our efforts this past summer season, which are still ongoing, involved sending our water and sanitation mascot, Manzi, around the city to encourage residents and visitors to be mindful of their water usage, to use water only for essential purposes, and to keep consumption as low as possible,” Badroodien said.
The call for restraint comes as several regions across South Africa face increasing pressure on their water supplies. Dam levels nationwide are declining while water usage continues to rise, raising fears of future shortages and the need for emergency interventions.
In Knysna, water supply levels have dropped to a critical 15%, prompting Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and the Joint Operations Committee to intervene with emergency measures. Authorities have been forced to act swiftly to prevent a complete breakdown in water delivery.
Cape Town’s dams are currently at around 66%, but officials warn that continued high consumption could threaten the stability of the supply if residents do not reduce usage. Badroodien urged the public to repair leaks promptly and be more conscious of their daily water consumption.
Nelson Mandela Bay is also under strain, with dam levels at 39.75% and water use far exceeding targets. Residents in the region are being urged to cut back immediately to prevent the situation from worsening.
As the country enters the new year, authorities say the message remains clear: water is a limited resource, and every drop counts. Residents are urged to keep usage low and use water only for essential purposes.
VOC News
Photo: Pixabay
