Stores run out of bottled water as PE water crisis deepens

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Supermarkets and stores across Nelson Mandela Bay are fast running out of bottled water as the water crisis affecting the Metro deepens.

A snap survey by Algoa FM News has revealed that major supermarket chains have all but run out of supplies and orders from warehouse distribution centres are flooding in.

The Greenacres Shopping Centre has closed its public ablution facilities.

Centre manager, Brent Starr, says they are securing portable toilets which will be placed at strategic places outside the centre. He says every effort will be made to keep safe hygiene levels.

He says stores in the food and beverage sector are under pressure with many not serving coffee.

Similar measures have been implemented at the adjacent Bridge Shopping Centre, where portable toilets have been set up in the basement parking area.

Spokesperson Sonica van der Meulen says the water shortage is affecting not only the food and beverage outlets, but also others, as staff need to use toilet facilities.

Walmer Park Shopping Centre appears to be unaffected for now.

Spokesperson, Mariska Smit, says they are a monitoring the centre's water pressure and have placed an order for portable toilets.

Meanwhile, companies that supply plastic containers to stores say they are running out of supplies as the demand for containers increases.

They've also cautioned the public against buying plastic containers from roadside vendors as these may contain unknown chemicals.

Municipality spokesperson, Kupido Baron, says the repair work is progressing well and urged people not to panic but to continue using water sparingly.

He also called on owners of car washes in water-affected areas to consider closing their businesses until the water supply returns to normal.

Baron says residents are requested to use water sparingly and not to fill containers at their homes as it affects the municipality's call for water conservation over the next couple of days.

He says the Municipality is prioritising the provision of water to Hospitals and Renal Centres at this stage.

At this stage the following areas could be affected by fluctuating water supply:
Newton Park, Walmer, Walmer Downs, Mangold Park, Summerstrand, Humewood, Humerail, parts of Fernglen, Adcockvale, parts of Cotswold, Seaview, Beachview, Blue Horizon Bay, Kini Bay and the top parts of Gelvan Park and Parkside.