Water has started to return northern KwaDukuza after a breakdown at the Lower Thukela Waterworks left several communities without supply for up to five days.

iLembe district has confirmed that repairs have been completed after a power failure damaged a high-lift pump station at the waterworks last week.

The affected areas included Zinkwazi, San Souci, Darnall, Lindelani, Nonoti, Blythedale, Saunders Reservoir, Glenhills, Warrenton, Stanger Manor, High Ridge, Shakaville, Townview, Mbozamo, Honolulu Reservoir, Groutville, Ntshawini and Melville.

“While uMngeni-uThukela immediately embarked on repairs, our efforts were affected by the sourcing of critical spares due to the long weekend,” said the district municipality in a statement.

A replacement pump was sourced from Gauteng and arrived yesterday afternoon. It was successfully installed and operations resumed on the same day.

Also read: KwaDukuza enters day four of crippling water outage

Although pumping has resumed, it may take time before full water supply is restored to all areas, as reservoirs need to recover.

Residents are urged to use water sparingly in the interim.