Msukaligwa Municipality reveals personnel qualifications amid water crisis
Some residents in town have gone weeks without water.
ERMELO – Residents of the town and surrounding areas are frustrated with the municipality over the persistent water problems.
Some residents have to cope without running water for weeks, while other parts’ water supply is interrupted sporadically.
Social media groups for water and power problems have been flooded lately with messages from community members looking for answers.
Excuses from the Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) included generators not working, raw water from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) temporarily being stopped, the Southern Water Treatment Works not receiving any water from the DWS due to electrical problems at Camden Power Station, power failures resulting in it not being able to pump water to the Rietspruit reservoirs, these reservoirs’ levels dropping below the withdrawal point, and malfunctioning of the airport pump.
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However, according to Mandla Zwane, the spokesperson for the MLM: “These are not excuses but realities, and anyone with contrary views or information, should provide such.”
Zwane did not respond to the questions regarding inspections and regular services done, but responded to the questions regarding the qualifications of the people responsible for the maintenance.
“Water and sanitation has capable men and women with the requisite skills and qualifications. Their qualifications vary from person to person. The qualifications are a BTech degree in biotechnology, a bachelor of science in community water and sanitation, a national diploma in chemical plant operation, and a national certificate in water and waste water processes control, level 3 and 4.
Their experience range from four years to 18 years,” Zwane said.
Read the complete article along with councillor’s in town’s take on the water crisis in the upcoming Highvelder Newspaper.
