Water supply restored in Mbombela and White River after cables replaced
Some residents in Mbombela and White River were without water for three days after cables that supply power to Nelspruit Water Treatment Works were stolen.
The water supply has been fully restored to Mbombela and White River after these areas had gone without for three days.
Silulumanzi confirmed that all areas affected should have water again now.
The water shortage was due to cable theft at the Nelspruit Water Treatment Works (NWTW), the continuing number of burst water pipes, and as a result of maintenance undertaken on the water system between Mbombela and White River. The City of Mbombela (CoM) has since replaced the stolen cables and the NWTW is functioning again. However, challenges continue and Silulumanzi is currently monitoring the situation.
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The CoM’s spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, confirmed the replaced cables and called on community members to assist them in safeguarding municipal infrastructure. He said cable theft costs the CoM nearly R3m per year. “Cable theft is a problem nationwide. Syndicates target areas to steal electrical cables to resell on the black market.”
He also said the City tries to protect such infrastructure where possible, but the thieves always devise new strategies. “Despite that, it is the responsibility of the municipality and the members of the community to protect the infrastructure,” he said.
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Community members are urged to report any illegal activities on municipal infrastructure or when noticing anything suspicious.
Silulumanzi’s spokesperson, Richmond Jele, said water has been restored to all areas, and he also confirmed that the cable theft had affected their water supply to their customers. “It was beyond our control since we have all this cable theft; it’s a big problem, but the good thing is that CoM officials managed to work around the clock to replace the cables, and everything is back to normal,” he said.
Jele said they will continue to monitor the situation and make sure that water is supplied to their customers.
