Close to a thousand residents again blocked the R102 road to Tongaat with burning tyres and debris since early this morning to vent their anger. 

Tongaat has been without water since the first floods in April, but while certain areas are now receiving tap water for two to four hours daily, Hambanathi is one of the areas that is solely dependent on water tankers. 

Residents complain takers only deliver to certain streets and in many cases water is sold to individual households. 

Ward 62 councillor Thobekani Nene, told residents his ward is only allocated seven of the 28 water tankers sent to Tongaat. 

“Three of those tankers are specifically allocated to Hambanathi. I am not aware of complaints about drivers being rude and accusations that water is being sold. I have asked on a community WhatsApp group called Ubunye beHambanathi that residents must provide me with at least three volunteers whom they trust to help with the distribution of water. That never happened,” said Nene.

Residents countered that not all community members are on WhatsApp groups or other social media platforms. 

The R102 has since reopened.

eThekwini municipality deputy mayor Philani Mavundla was expected to address Hambanathi residents at a public meeting this afternoon following this morning’s angry protests about the continuing lack of water supply to the area.