Just as 2022 ended, 2023 began up and down like a yo-yo as far as rainfall is concerned. November was 50mm below norm with December 45mm above. Then comes January with 15mm above average and then February 20mm below average in the Bay.
As the devastating drought continues in Nelson Mandela Bay, with a dismal prediction for the winter rain season, mayor Retief Odendaal said they might have to resort to water throttling as demand continues to outstrip supply and the rain stays away.
Residents of Nelson Mandela Bay will have to battle daily water cuts unless consumption can be reduced to 50 litres per person per day. This, as the city cuts back on its extraction from near-empty dams to preserve the little that is left.