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BITOU MUNICIPALITY (WC047) - NOTICE NUMBER: NO: 273/2017

Notice is hereby given in terms of the “Bitou Municipal Drought Management Policy” to limit use of water with immediate effect until further notice and to inform all municipal potable water users of the new Stage 1 water restrictions imposed from 31 OCTOBER 2017.

On 31 OCTOBER 2017, under Council Item C/5/28/10/2017 in line with the directive as received from the Western Cape Provincial Government, Bitou Council approved the amendments to the Drought Management Policy. As a precautionary measure to ensure that this precious commodity remains available to our resident and visitors during this critical period, Bitou Council has taken the unfortunate decision in terms of section 184 of the Municipal Ordinance, 20 of 1974, to institute STAGE 1 water restrictions. These restrictions only apply to water obtained from the municipal potable water supply sources.

The restrictions shall apply within the boundaries of the Bitou Municipal. Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue with the ‘good water management habits and practices’. These restrictions are required to achieve water savings as required due to the drought conditions.

Our water resources are depleting rapidly and the water level at the Roodefontein Dam and the flowrate of the Keurbooms River are decreasing gradually by the day. 

Saving water has become a priority for the Bitou Municipality as the town battles with the drought.

"Water is a scarce resource use responsibly.”

Stage 1 Water Restrictions (MODERATE) - Roodefontein Dam volume less than 80% - 66%

• Watering of gardens may only be undertaken for two hours per day between 08h00 – 10h00, two days per week.
• No hosing of structures, roofs, driveways, and no filling of swimming pools.
• No washing of vehicles with a garden hose will be permitted, not be applicable to any bona fide and full-time commercial enterprises whose business it is to wash cars.
• Watering of cricket pitches, golf course greens and bowling greens are permitted for two hours per day, twice per week, unless own source of water is used.
• A fine in terms of Section 75A of the Systems Act, being a 50% penalty on tariffs for monthly consumption in excess of 20kilolitre per month per household connection.

Mr Thabo Ndlovu

MUNICIPAL MANAGER

Bitou Local Municipality