NYAKALLO TEFU
THE DEPARTMENT of Water and Sanitation in KwaZulu Natal has ramped up its water and hygiene products supply to communities as it step up and help flatten the curve in the fight against coronavirus.
Todate, Department of Water and Sanitation in KwaZulu Natal confirmed it has distributed hygiene products, including 7 500 hand sanitizers, 100 face masks, 40 disposable cover suits and 2 300 bars of soap to various community members in the country.
“The distribution of these hygiene goods will enable community members to protect themselves by practicing good hygienic practices”, said the department.
The department said todate 4 200 water storage tanks and 532 water tankers have been distributed to various districts and local municipalities.
“The tanks have already been installed in different areas to ensure that communities have direct access to water and are able to practice a healthy routine of washing hands with water and soap,” it said in a statement.
“Distribution of water tanks in KwaZulu-Natal is done jointly with the provincial Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, as well as Umgeni and Mhlathuze Water Boards. The tanks have already been installed in different areas to ensure that communities have direct access to water and are able to practice a healthy routine of washing hands with water and soap,” the department said.
Umzinyathi District Municipality has the highest number of water tanks delivered at 450, followed by Harry Gwala and eThekwini District Municipalities with 350 and 300, respectively.
Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu appealed to community members in the province to protect the water tanks provided to them, and not to vandalise them.
“We call on the communities to take care of the tanks, and report criminal activities done against these water tanks, whether it is theft or destruction of the tanks,” said Sisulu.
Sisulu also warned communities about preserving water as South Africa is a water scarce country and therefore should avoid water wastage at all costs.
“Let us save this precious water resource we have currently,” said Sisulu.
“While you are washing your hands, keep in mind that South Africa is a water-scarce country and therefore, you should avoid water wastage. Let us save this precious water resource we have currently.
“We do encourage people to practice the habit of washing their hands regularly, especially during this critical time of the COVID-19 pandemic, but let us also use this water prudently,” Sisulu said.
