The City will decide this week whether the go-ahead will be given for the popular Color Run, following calls for the event to be postponed because of the worsening drought in Cape Town.
While Color Run organisers say they will not be using any of the City’s limited water resources for their event in Cape Town, the Green Point Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association has called for the City to back them, show solidarity with Capetonians and lead by example by not supporting the event.
Last year, the event attracted about 14 000 participants. This year’s event is scheduled for next month.
In a statement, organisers said the event would be using only non-potable water for cleaning, and only where absolutely necessary.
South African event co-
ordinator Craig McLennan
said the team had also sourced non-potable water from accredited suppliers to be brought to Cape Town in a tanker from the Cape Winelands district municipality, and water sachets were being trucked in from Joburg.
“The event will also be minimising mess, and minimising the need for water-based cleaning, through massive PVC sheeting, great-big vacuum cleaners, and muscles - meaning more jobs on the day for the region,” organisers said. They will also be launching a social media campaign around water.
Paige Nick, of the Green Point Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association’s events committee, said 13 000-14 000 people would still have to get clean after the race.
“All we can do is be a mouthpiece for our ratepayers and residents, who are desperately trying to save every drop before our taps run dry early next year.
"We shouldn’t have to fight the city to help us save water. They should be the first ones championing that cause.
“The only reason we are opposing the Color Run is because it uses water that is preciously needed, and the purpose of the event is admittedly for private profit,” she said.
Meanwhile, the City says 12 of the 35 municipal swimming pools will be open during the peak summer season, thanks to innovate water re-use and recycling strategies in line with Level 5 water restrictions.
The Atlantis, Strand, Blue Downs Indoor, Khayelitsha, Bellville, Vulindlela, Retreat, Mnandi, Eastridge, Kensington and Hanover Park swimming pools will be open from
December 1 to January 31, 2018 between 10am and 4pm daily.
The Sea Point swimming pool uses seawater and will be open from November 1 between 7am and 7pm daily during summer.
Western Cape dam levels are at about 37.4%, with usable water at 27.4%.