Bloemfontein ’ s important economic role in the Free State makes the need for short- and longterm interventions to address the city ’ s water challenges critical .
Drop-the-Block
Although the Bloemfontein system has seen an increase with the four dams serving Mangaung increasing from 37.9 % to 41.6 % due to nationwide rain in February , dam levels remain alarmingly low .
The DWS announced its Drop-the-Block campaign to find creative solutions for water conservation across South Africa . In February , the initiative was rolled out in various parts of Mangaung . DWS spokesperson , Sputnik Ratau , says the department will be handing out green plastic blocks the shape and size of a building brick at households with waterborne toilet reservoirs .
“ These green blocks can save up to 2 litres per flush . It would reduce the water services bill of any household and would , therefore , have an immediate impact on the expenses of any particular household ,” says Ratau .
The campaign has been rolled out in Phahameng and Bochabela in Bloemfontein , Section G2 and Section E in Botshabelo , as well as Selosesha in Thaba Nchu . u
One of the bulk supply solutions that has been proposed is a 180km water augmentation pipeline that will run from Gariep Dam ( South Africa ’ s largest dam ) to the municipality . networking contributor tech news industry environment infrastructure municipalities
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