On Friday, 10th June, the Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Buyelwa Mafaya, led a delegation of officials during a Water Crisis Friday awareness drive, visiting the red zone located stretch of Nelson Mandela Bay hotels.
The purpose of the visit to these popular establishments is to encourage hotels and the hospitality sector to join civil society and all citizens in amplifying the message to save water and push back day zero.
In addition, Cllr Mafaya launched the first of its kind Water Saver WhatsApp line, an innovation introduced by the Mandela Bay Development Agency.
The 064 744 7721 WhatsApp number is zero-rated and automated by the purpose-built robot “Bot”.
The Water Savers Bot interacts with the user, answering pertinent questions and serving relevant information such as water-saving tips, water collection points, lists of red zone areas, a water-use guide and geotagging water leaks reporting widget.
The Metro also appeals to all Broadcasters within the Nelson Mandela Bay area to play their part and consider incorporating daily dam water capacity and the self-help number (send water to 064 744 7721) as part of the news bulletin, keeping residents informed and up to date.
The NMBM JOC Drought Mitigation Committee urges all water users to continuously check the water meters to observe consumption, where possible, to recycle water, and to report water leaks by calling 0800 20 5050 or emailing waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za or to get all important information, simply WhatsApp water to 064 744 7721.
