White River’s water woes continue as residents enter a second week without a reliable supply of running water. Parts of the town are now entirely dependent on bought water for their daily needs.

This has sparked outrage among community members, who are now forced to pay extra to get water delivered despite already paying the municipality for basic services.

Ward councillor Rowan Torr said the City of Mbombela (CoM) is struggling to stabilise the supply and bring the town’s three reservoirs to sustainable levels.

“We have received notice from Silulumanzi that there could be further disruptions this week to repair a hole in the main pipe over the Nels River feed. I have been promised that two new pumps would be installed at the White River Water Treatment Works by the end of February. However, before that can happen, Silulumanzi must attend to the four pumps at the Phumlani Pump Station, where only one is currently operational,” he explained.

ALSO READ: White River remains in the grip of water shortages

Torr said that this crisis is a direct result of long-term neglect. “When pumps are not rested, they break down. Proactive maintenance is essential and what we are now seeing in White River is the result of years of poor maintenance,” he said.

Johan Haymans, chairperson of the White River Ratepayers Association, expressed the community’s frustration. “To be without essential services like water for days is a disaster and a disgrace. Residents pay rates and taxes, yet they are left without these vital services. People must work to earn a living to pay their rates and taxes, yet the CoM does not even make water tankers available,” Haymans said.

CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala acknowledged the ongoing water shortages. He said the city’s technical team is working to restore consistent supply, but challenges remain.

ALSO READ: Months-long water issues the final straw for White River residents

According to Ngala, Silulumanzi, had been operating only one pump to the Boschrand reservoir for the past two weeks. This reservoir supplies Elawini, Kiaat, Bundu, Rocky Drift, White River, and Msholozi.

“The supply has not been sufficient and failed to meet demand. A leak along the line is preventing the simultaneous operation of all three pumps,” he said.

He apologised for the inconvenience, as residents continue to call for a long-term solution to the area’s recurring water supply problems.

Silulumanzi spokesperson Richmond Jele said, “Our biggest challenge is that the leaking pipe is in the middle of the river and teams are still busy with ground works to separate the pipe from the river flow. Once this is done, water will be pumped out and they will then be able to locate the leak.”