The Honolulu Reservoir in KwaDukuza was completely emptied leaving Groutville residents high and dry after a failed theft attempt on Monday night.
According to Umgeni Water’s corporate stakeholder manager Shami Harichunder, thieves entered a chamber about two kilometres from the reservoir and broke a valve in an attempt to steal it.
“This resulted in water gushing out and in order to stop the flow of water, the thieves closed the isolating valve.
“The level of Honolulu reservoir began dropping rapidly until it was empty at about 11pm on Monday,” said Harichunder.
“Staff of Umgeni Water have since done repairs, and the reservoir has begun recovering.
“By 2pm on Tuesday it was at 35 percent and supply had reached a state of near normality.”
He explained that the water now appears brownish in colour, and advised residents to allow this water to make its way out of the reticulation system.
“Once new water enters the bulk system and then into the reticulation network, the brownish colour will disappear.
“Umgeni Water wishes to apologise for the inconvenience caused as a result supply interruption and out-of-normal water colour.”
Harichunder said they have had numerous incidents of either theft or damage to components of Umgeni Water infrastructure in the last six months.
“Parts are often removed for sale to scrap metal dealers, for a few rands but the cost to the economy and to households is significant.”
He said they urge communities to assist in preventing vandalism and theft of infrastructure by reporting such acts directly to Umgeni Water staff or via the toll-free number 0800-331820.
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