Newcastle Municipality Celebrates Women’s Month

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Newcastle Municipality salutes the courage of women such as Charlotte Maxeke, Lillian Ngoyi, Hellen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and many others who fought tirelessly against the brutality of the apartheid government, when they marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.

In line with national government, Newcastle Municipality has made great strides in the advancement of women since the first democratic elections, to ensure that women enjoy the same rights as their male counterparts in relation to education, employment, property, inheritance and justice. Women such as Dorothy Nyembe who hails from our neighbouring town Dundee, paved the way for young girls and women to shape their futures and not be discriminated based on their gender. Our very own Newcastle Municipality, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Racheal Mdluli is an example that young girls can succeed in every career they choose to embark on. Our democracy was built on the actions of the women of
the liberation movement and our Municipality acknowledges that more still needs to be done, to cast off the chains that still hinder the progress of some women. During the month of August, the Newcastle Municipality has planned a variety of programmes to uplift women in business, education and safety.

Women are the guardians of our nation and Newcastle Municipality celebrates women in August and every other month of the year. The Newcastle Municipality will continue uplifting and championing the rights of women because our nation can only become a true success when our women are treated equally and are also successful. Let us unite to move women empowerment forward to combat poverty and encourage sustainable development. Newcastle Municipality salutes all women in our Municipal office and every corner of our communities.

Malibongwe igama lamakhosikazi
Let the name of women be praised.

APPLICATION FOR PREPAID ELECTRICITY METERS

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Notice is hereby given all Newcastle West residents who would be interested in applying for prepaid electricity meters which will commence on 1 July 2015.

1. Municipal account needs to be up to date with no arrears.
2. A copy of the application form and its accompanying documents can be obtainable from the Newcastle Municipality, Civic Centre, New Services and Enquiries section or downloaded here.
3. Upon submission of the form an applicant will receive a reference number.
4. Each form completed and submitted will be reviewed for approval.
5. Applicants will be notified when their application is approved upon which payment of R1300 for installation needs to be made within 30 days.
6. Should Municipal account be in arrears for other services such as water, sewer, refuse and rates, after conversion to the prepaid option, the prepaid electricity meter will be disconnected and the meter will be blocked on the vending system to prevent you from purchasing electricity tokens.
7. You can purchase your electricity tokens from retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Checkers/Shoprite, PEP, Spar, Keyway Motors, cellphones and online banking.
8. The Municipality bills customers a month in arrears. After conversion to a prepaid electricity meter you will still receive a Municipal bill reflecting electricity consumption from date of last statement until date of conversion.
9. For account queries, please contact 034 328 7600 or income@newcastle.gov.za. For electricity queries, please contact 034 312 1296 or electric@newcastle.gov.za.

MEDIA STATEMENT : Government values the swift process by the National Energy Regulator

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Government values the swift process by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) in reviewing the selective reopener for the third multi-year price determination for the period 1 July 2015 to 31 March 2016 that was submitted by Eskom.

As a selective reopener application, it was specifically to fund only the higher usages of the Open Cycle Gas Turbines and cover the cost of buying capacity from the short-term power purchase programme. Eskom is in the process of preparing for its full application to Nersa with regard to the Third Multi-Year Electricity Price Determination which will be submitted before the end of July 2015.

By ensuring that the requirements which are needed for our energy sector are promptly addressed it allows us to stabilise our electricity network and move South Africa forward.

Government appreciates the work of NERSA which is a product of our democratic dispensation. It ensures that there are checks and balances within the country’s energy sector.

It is mandated as the country’s independent single regulator and created under National Energy Regulator Act to protect the both interest of energy producers and consumers.

This is part of our commitment as an open, transparent and democratic society that we had envisioned at the start of democracy. It keeps South Africans informed and allows them to play an active role in the direction of the country.

Regulators and governance institutions established since 1994 ensure management of key sectors to meet the country’s needs and citizens have a say on matters that affect them.

In May 2015 NERSA had begun to process the Eskom application. This included a period of written comments from stakeholders which ended on 15 June 2015 and public hearings that were held on 23 and 24 June 2015.

NERSA afforded everyone, stakeholders and members of the public alike with an opportunity to participate in the public hearings. These were open meetings between officials and citizens, during which citizens offered their comments and views on application.

These interactions reflects the power of our democracy at work as more than 250 submissions had been made by members of the public and civil society organisations.

In keeping with our democratic principles, the views and interests of all stakeholders are incorporated into NERSA’s decisions. In assessing the Eskom application, NERSA would also consider all other possible funding options such as raising additional debt.

The Eskom application has been extensively discussed by the War-room on Energy and is one of a number of options that are being considered to ensure the continued supply of electricity and address Eskom’s financial stability.

Government appreciates the speedy conclusion of the process and thanks all South Africans for their input. As a people-led Government, we care about what citizens think and feel about the policies and programmes that we have put in place to address priorities as mandated by South Africans. We need to work together to move South Africa forward.

Effects of prevailing drought conditions in the region

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INTRODUCTION
Following a statement released by the MEC for Dept. of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Honourable Nomusa Dube-Ncube concerning the latest drought situation in the province, the Newcastle Municipality – aspires to update and notify the public concerning the current raw water resource situation within our district.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this press release is to ensure that the public is fully aware of the extent and gravity of the current prevailing drought conditions, and the possible ramifications for the region as a whole, should these drought conditions persist indefinitely and beyond the next ensuing rainy season. All sectors of the community should start conserving this scarce resource now, rather than later, and by doing so ensure that we are not as badly affected as other areas of the province, where severe austerity measures have already been implemented.

ESTABLISHED RAW WATER RESOURCES AND SUPPLIES
Under normal circumstances, the Water Service Areas are supplied with purified bulk water from the following water plants and raw water resources:
The Newcastle municipal areas, including Madadeni, Osizweni, Kilbarchan and the Eskom village, are supplied with purified bulk water via the Ngagane Water Purification Plant, which obtains its raw water extraction mainly from the Ntshingwayo Dam (70 mega-litres per day); its tributary the Ngagane River (30 Mega-litres per day); and the Buffalo River (28 Mega-litres per day).

The Amajuba District municipal areas of Dannhauser and Durnacol are supplied with raw water from the Ntshingwayo Dam; and the rural areas of Steildrift, Waterval, and Alcockspruit are supplied with purified water from the Ngagane Water Purification Plant, sourced from the Ntshingwayo Dam. The Emadlangeni (Utrecht) area is supplied with purified water locally obtained from the perennial Dorpspruit River and its storage dam. The capability exists that this supply can be augmented via the Emadlangeni bulk water supply line that feeds off the Ngagane Water Purification Plant via the Ntshingwayo Dam. The Hattingspruit community area is supplied with bulk purified water from the Biggarsberg Water Purification Plant.

HOW THE CURRENT DROUGHT HAS AFFECTED THE RAW WATER RESOURCES
Firstly, the Buffalo and Ngagane Rivers are historically very dependent on good and sustained rainfalls in the summer months to maintain good flows and to fill the main dam supplies higher up in the catchment areas. The smaller subsidiary dams likewise depend on good rainfalls in their catchment areas to reach good and sufficient water levels. As a direct consequence of poor rainfalls during the past rainy season, the water levels in the Buffalo and Ngagane Rivers has, since early December 2014, dropped considerably, and these Rivers are currently being supplied and maintained by an additional extra-ordinary water release from both of the Ntshingwayo and Zaaihoek Dams.

Without this additional water supply, there would be zero flow in these rivers – without these vital river resources, the Newcastle area would suffer a 44% reduction in raw water supply – 24% from the Buffalo River and 20% from the Ngagane River – and the effect on the Umzinyathi area would be devastating, reducing their raw water supply by about 95%.

POSSIBILITY Of WATER TRANSFERS
The level of the Ntshingwayo Dam currently stands at 73%, and the Zaaihoek dam at 82%. It should be noted that the Zaaihoek dam is not a licensed raw water supply extraction point, and that the emergency water supply currently being released from this dam to assist with the drought situation, is at the discretion of the Department of Water Affairs, who has other contractual obligations concerning this water resource.

The area of Hattingspruit is consequently now being almost exclusively supplied from the Buffalo River, via the releases of additional water flows from the Ntshingwayo Dam. The Emadlangeni (Utrecht) local town perennial Dorpspruit River and dam level is currently perilously low at 24%, and this town could soon be fully dependant on a supply from the Ngagane Water Purification Plant via the Ntshingwayo Dam.
It is also significant to note that the Buffalo and Ngagane raw water resources are also shared by other vital economic sectors of the region i.e., agriculture, mining, and industry; and that these sectors have already been adversely affected by the low river levels in terms of production output.

APPEAL
It is therefore a humbly appeal and a warning to the consumers that if the situation persist as per prediction, water cut backs will be unavoidable in both Newcastle West and East. Water restrictions and other measures shall be implemented in line with the council by laws. Excessive use of water and irresponsible car washing business is condemned in strongest possible terms and discouraged.

RECOMMENDED WATER SAVING MEASURES
1. All sectors should reduce water consumptions in a controlled and responsible manner, limiting use to the absolutely essential in order to reduce excessive and unnecessary demands on a diminishing and scarce resource.
2. Water losses should be reduced by fixing leaking taps and pipes, or reporting them to 0860 144 144.
3. The implementation of controlled water conservation and demand management measures by the authorities (already in place).
4. Regional water planning and monitoring of drought conditions, and the planning of possible austerity measures to properly manage the situation (already in place).

Newcastle Saving Water for The Benefit of KZN

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Newcastle Municipality saving water for the benefit of KZN
The worst drought since 1991 has tightened its grip on the province as households and businesses across various municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal will implement new water restrictions, warned MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

MEC Dube-Ncube said two months is how long some residents in our province have before their taps run dry. “We need to start preparing ourselves for the worst, it’s time for everyone to acknowledge that there isn’t an endless water supply,” said the MEC.

The Cogta Department also revealed that the amount of water available has now dropped below 30 % and warned that the numbers could fall lower. Dam water levels started to decline in October 2013 when the province received minimal rainfall for two seasons. Although Newcastle Municipality is not yet directly affected by the drought like the rest of the province, as the community of Newcastle we must not turn our backs on our neighbours, we must fully participate in conserving water for the benefit of all who reside in KZN.

Honourable Mayor Cllr Afzul Rehman is encouraging every citizen of Newcastle to remember that water is a precious source and therefore should be used with care. Mayor Rehman mentioned that while the Municipality is not currently under immediate threat, the low rainfalls across the province also put Newcastle in danger of water shortages within the next few months. “Our wish to Newcastle water customers is that they will use water sparingly, make sure leaks are reported and fixed by the Municipality and consciously save water,” said the Mayor.

Mayor Rehman has urged Newcastle residents to make water conservation part of their everyday lives and follow water saving tips provided by the Municipality.

• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and shave.
• Make sure that the tap is closed after you have finished using it.
• Take a shower instead of a bathtub.
• When taking a bathtub do not fill up the water to the top of the tub.
• When cooking do not fill up the pot with water.
• Ensure that toilet and pipe leaks anywhere in the house are fixed
• Only flush the toilet when it is necessary.
• When washing your motor vehicle, use a bucket instead of a hose pipe.

Save Water Tips

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“Saving water is not an event, but a lifestyle”

• Close the tap when shaving or brushing your teeth.
• Make sure that the tap is closed after you have finished using it.
• Do not feel up the bathtub to the top when taking a bath.
• When you use a bathtub for bathing, it takes from 80 to 180 litres of water to fill. Use a shower so that water will not be wasted.
• When cooking do not fill the pot with water as this wastes water.
• Ensure that leaking toilet cisterns and pipes anywhere in the house are fixed, this can curb the loss of 100 000 litres of water.
• Only flush the toilet when it is necessary.
• When washing your motor vehicle, use a bucket instead of a hose pipe.

The community is encouraged to report water and sanitation related queries/problems, by call our 24 hour call centre – on 0860 144 144, in order to get help.

Water Pipe Maintenance

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Maintenance was done on the steel pumping main to Hilldrop reservoirs on the 10th of June 2015. The reservoir levels were expected to drop during the 8 hour outage period and low pressure was expected in areas feeding from this reservoir but no water outages were expected. The Hilldrop rising main popped again where they worked last night hence we have water supply interruptions today. At least we may expect another 4 to 8 hours before they pump again. The affected areas are Arbor Park; Riverside; Industrial Lennoxton; Paradise and Central Town. Sunny ridge Amajuba and Ncandu Park have also been affected. Eleven trucks have been deployed to deliver water to the above mentioned areas as well as the hospitals; police station and prison.

CLOSURE OF OSIZWENI LIBRARY FOR STOCK TAKING

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Notice is herewith given of the closure of the Osizweni Library for the purpose of conducting a stock take of library material by the Department : Arts and Culture.

The library will be closed to the public for the following period:
Saturday : 20 June 2015
Monday : 22 June 2015
Tuesday : 23 June 2015

The library will be open to the public as from Wednesday, 24 June 2015.
Any inconvenience is regretted.

CLOSURE OF MADADENI LIBRARY FOR STOCK TAKING

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CLOSURE OF MADADENI LIBRARY FOR STOCK TAKING

Notice is herewith given of the closure of the Madadeni Library for the purpose of conducting a stock take of library material by the Department : Arts and Culture.

The library will be closed to the public for the following period:
Saturday : 30 May 2015
Monday : 1 June 2015
Tuesday : 2 June 2015

The library will re-open on Wednesday, 3 June 2015.
Any inconvenience is regretted.

Community Invitation hosted by the National Rural Development and Land Reform

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The community of Newcastle is invited to the following public event that will be hosted by the National Rural Development and Land Reform the department will be providing assistance with the following:

ü They will explain to community the process of buying and selling the property
ü The registration of the property .
ü The process of surveying of land .
ü Give out ownership print out.
ü Give guidance about the process in the Deeds and Surveys.

This will done in the following sections and at these days.

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