Tempers flare at Cape Town water collection point

Cape Town redirects funds to water projects

Tensions are mounting at a natural spring in Cape Town that is popular with residents who have to contend with water restrictions due to severe drought, the city council said yesterday.

A fight broke out and one person was arrested by police earlier in the week in long queues at the Newland spring, southeast of the city centre, and local residents have complained of traffic gridlock.

Capetonians will be expected to abide by a 50 litre-a-day (13.2-US-gallon) personal consumption limit from today in an effort to avert the so-called 'Day Zero' scenario which would see taps shut off across the city.

'Day Zero' is currently forecast for April 16. Householders and traders would be forced to queue at 200 water collection points to collect a daily allocation of 25 litres. 

The Newland spring has attracted hundreds of residents keen to supplement their current 87-litre quota.

"A physical conflict broke out and a person was arrested by the South African Police Service," said city security chief, Counsellor Jean-Pierre Smith in a statement.