SA Roofing March 2018 // Issue 98 | Page 24

FEATURES How are water shortages affecting the industry? South Africa’s current water crisis continues to affect large areas of the country leading to the implementation of water restrictions in some areas. By Ntsako Khosa As dam levels decrease, the industry and government are being proactive in finding alternative solutions. W ater restrictions which are quite severe (particularly in Cape Town) not only affect ordinary citizens, but also industry and business. Councillor Xanthea Limberg, Mayoral Committee member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services and Energy, from the City of Cape Town, says 22 MARCH 2018 RESIDENTIAL // COMMERCIAL // INDUSTRIAL that the construction industry is a role- player in the local economy and in the Western Cape, as it employs thousands of people. “As much as we have a responsibility to ensure that we protect our limited potable water supply and other water sources, we also need to be cognisant of the indirect consequences of the drought on businesses and industries that rely on water in the long term,” he says. State and industry intervention A directive from the National Department of Water and Sanitation states that the City