The Kouga Municipality says water donations have been streaming in for residents of Hankey and Patensie ahead of the towns' annual "dry period".
Kouga Infrastructure and Engineering Portfolio Councillor Bryan Dhludhlu says the so-called "dry period" takes place annually when the water supply from the Kouga Dam is turned off for essential maintenance of the canals.
He confirmed in a statement that water to the canals will be turned off at 6 pm this Friday with the dry period scheduled to last until the 26th of July.
He added that there will be sufficient water in the system to sustain Hankey and Patensie for a few days and water will also be pumped from the Wolwekloof dam to increase availability.
Water tanks that have been installed in the towns will also be filled up regularly.
Kouga Mayor Horatio Hendricks said that despite the contingency measures, the water situation was dire.
He cautioned that with the level of the Kouga Dam having dropped to below 7%, Patensie and Hankey face serious water shortages, even outside the dry period.
