Water supply to stabilise by July 18, says eThekwini
Residents are being urged to use water sparingly as the water supply to the north and south of eThekwini stabilises. eThekwini estimates normal water will fully resume by July 18.
RESIDENTS in the north and south of eThekwini are still feeling the ripple effect of the planned 24-hour shutdown at the Wiggins Water Treatment Works on Tuesday, July 8, which left a number of households without water.
UMngeni-uThukela Water reported experiencing production constraints at its Durban Heights Water Treatment Works on Thursday, July 10. “As part of the contingency planning for the 24-hour shutdown of the Wiggins Water Treatment Works earlier this week, the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works ramped up its production to support critical systems in the southern areas of the eThekwini Municipality. However, this led to treatment challenges caused by scum build-up at the plant, resulting in reduced production levels,” said uMngeni-uThukela Water spokesperson Siyabonga Maphumulo.
Among the areas affected by the Wiggins shutdown were Umbilo and Glenwood. “All Areas should have fully recovered from the planned shutdown. If you don’t have supply please log a reference and send it through to me with your Road Name /Reference Number,” said Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher.
Also Read: Planned water outages to leave taps dry across Durban
Although some areas are now receiving water, residents are still reporting outages. According to the eThekwini Municipality the city is urgently attending to the interruption of water supply. “The interruption is due to the disruption of raw water production from the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works, a plant that is managed by the City’s bulk water supplier, uMngeni-uThukela Water,” said municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana.
She said, “Currently, most reservoirs in the north and south have been depleted and it is going to take time to build up sufficient levels to achieve a stable water supply. However, while this does not mean that taps will run dry, some areas will experience intermittent supply as the City works on stabilising the system. The system is expected to stabilise in a week’s time, around 18 July. The Municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused.”
For more information regarding water supply, the public can download eThekwini Municipality’s mobile app to log faults or send a WhatsApp to 073 1483 477. Alternatively, call the toll-free number 080 311 1111 or email Eservices@durban.gov.za.
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