On behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, CEO Mr Kevin Hustler welcomes the lifting of the punitive water tariffs in the Metro. We see the easing of the water usage restrictions as a sensible approach to what remains a scarce natural resource. The decision taken by the Metro will be a great boost to manufacturing in the city and to business in general, with the easing of water restrictions in particular benefiting businesses such as commercial nurseries and industries where water is a critical component.
We thank the Mayor for his intervention, and for bringing the issue to this decisive conclusion. The Business Chamber appreciates the co-operation of the Metro and the Department of Water Affairs, with whom we have engaged on a daily basis and lobbied strongly for a reduction in water tariffs and an easing of restrictions on behalf of organized business since the raising of the dam levels, due to the severe economic of the tariffs on investment, economic growth and employment in the region.
Through our Strategic Resources forum, we were able to promote the saving of water and the sharing of best practices among our members. We commend the efforts of business in the Metro for their efforts in reducing their water consumption, and echo the Executive Mayor’s call for the continued conservation of this precious resource.
