The eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit, in collaboration with uMngeni-uThukela Water and Durban Tourism, hosted a successful stakeholder engagement session at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (October 18).

The engagement saw tour operators, tour guides, accommodations, B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, eateries, shisanyamas/lounges and community tourism organisations convene to discuss the city’s strategy of managing water demand through water curtailment implemented a week ago.

The tourism sector was reassured that there would be no water shutdown. However, stakeholders were urged to continue using water sparingly during this period.

Phokola Maponya, uMngeni-uThukela Water Executive Operations Manager, said the main objective of water curtailment is to proactively manage water resources and prevent more drastic measures in future. He said the curtailment will only reduce the volume of water abstracted from the uMngeni system to the licensed 470 million megalitres per annum – a reduction in the current sales and abstraction volume of 8.4%.

Implementation of water curtailment over a period of 12 months will ensure sustainability of water during this critical time.

Sandile Cele from the city’s Water and Sanitation Unit highlighted that, to ensure residents are not adversely affected, the city is implementing interventions such as installing and replacing water meters for unmetered consumers, managing water pressure and improving the turnaround time to repair leaks though ward-based plumbers. He urged everyone to use water sparingly to ensure there would be enough water available in future.

These interventions are designed to ensure continuous access to water for everyone.

Tourists and visitors coming to Durban can be assured that these measures will not impact their experiences and enjoyment of the vibrant city during the festive season.

Durban Tourism is committed to actively engaging with the tourism and hospitality industry to raise awareness and educate them about saving water, especially with the expected influx of visitors this holiday season.

A key focus of the engagement was encouraging consumers to use water sparingly to secure access for future.

Acting Senior Manager of Tourism Services James Cele said Durban remains committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all guests and appreciates the tourism sector’s cooperation in managing water resources responsibly.

For more information, please visit www.visitdurban.travel.