South African city of Cape Town, experiencing the worst drought in a century, announced on Monday that ‘Day Zero’ has been moved back to 11 May. The city administration was earlier notified that it would turn off most water taps in 16 April.
The statement from the municipal administartion cited declining agricultural usage as reason for new forecast. Residents are increasingly resort to alternative water sources to augment their consumption needs, it added.
The officials, however, asked the people to continue following the restrictions and are gearing up for the potential health risks.
"Capetonians must continue reducing consumption if we are to avoid Day Zero," Cape Town's executive deputy major, Alderman Ian Neilson, was quoted as saying. "All Capetonians must therefore continue to use no more than 50 litres per person per day to help stretch our dwindling supplies," he added.
Councillor Jean-Pierre Smith said: “The city is working closely with the government to notify communicable diseases.” He says that only source of safe drinking water remains the municipal water as borehole water is not suitable for drinking or cooking.
Freshwater springs in the city are now under 24-hour police watch as tension among the residents is rising amid the scramble for water. Water restriction enforcement operations are also in full swing. Officials have over the past week issued 121 fines, valued at R300,000 (£17,750), and impounded more than 120 items used for washing and cleaning cars.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event