#DayZero: Level 6B restrictions from Feb, new emergency measures proposed
"We have reached a moment where there is no going back," cautioned Mayor Patricia de Lille of the City of Cape Town during a press briefing prior to a special council gathering scheduled for Friday, January 19th.
"After consistently encouraging Capetonians for several months, it has been disappointing to discover that 60% of the population is recklessly surpassing the limit of 87 liters of water per day. Regrettably, we must now accept the unwillingness of these individuals to modify their actions, which significantly increases the likelihood of Day Zero occurring on 21 April 2018," she stated. She also issued a cautionary note that although the city has implemented seven augmentation projects to enhance water sustainability in the future, these measures alone are insufficient to prevent Day Zero - the day when the municipal water supply to households will be terminated.
She mentioned that due to the seriousness of the crisis, several new emergency actions have become necessary. One of these actions, a potential penalizing tariff, will be put to a vote during the upcoming Friday meeting. The suggested penalizing tariff aims to enforce significantly higher fees for individuals consuming more than 6,000 liters of water per month. However, households consisting of more than four individuals will be excluded from this regulation.
De Lille also mentioned that the controversial drought levy, which caused a significant public backlash, is expected to be abandoned. Nevertheless, she explained that the city will now need to implement substantial reductions to significant initiatives.
Water Limits At Level 6B
Starting from 1 February 2018, the city has decided to put into practice water restrictions at level 6B. A fresh quota of 50 liters per individual per day has been set. The city aims to achieve a daily total of 450 million liters of water consumed by everyone, which will be carried out for 150 days. Following this period, the city's mayor, De Lille, is committed to reevaluating the circumstances.
The preparations for Day Zero have progressed with around 200 locations being evaluated. "Starting from next week, the city will reveal the designated collection spots for each individual so that communities can start getting ready for that possibility," she explained. "Additionally, we will soon release comprehensive backup plans for Day Zero to address any concerns or queries residents and businesses may have."
