Water supply remains a burning issue from Tongaat to KwaDukuza

While slow progress is being made to solve the region’s water crisis, emotions are still running high as many areas have been without water since the April 11 floods.

Some areas in Tongaat, probably the worst hit area in KwaZulu-Natal, have since Monday received intermittent water supply for four hours a day, but others, such as Hambanathi and Emona remain wholly dependent on water tankers.

“We will not stop water tankers and the supply of JoJo tanks in these areas. We will increase the numbers so people will have enough water,” said eThekwini deputy mayor, Philani Mavundla.

In KwaDukuza town last week about 70 residents protested, burning tyres and storming the iLembe municipal offices.

The protesters, mostly from Stanger Heights, Stanger Manor and Glenhills demanded transparency and efficiency from the municipality as water shortages had been an issue long before the floods.

iLembe was given seven days to respond, with a reply expected tomorrow (Thursday).

“To be fair to the municipality, since the protests there has been improved communications regarding supply issues, as well as more water tankers. Persistent problems caused by leaks not fixed and infrastructure permanently damaged, are still ongoing, but we hope to have more clarity by Thursday,” said protest organiser, Salim Tootla.

One of the demands submitted to the municipality was that it should give up its hold on water supply and hand over the responsibility to a public-private partnership.

Siza Water is the water provider for the area from Zimbali to Tinley Manor (12.5km²).

The company has managed to fill up its reservoirs and restore water supply, but reported that some water interruptions might still occur as final repairs are undertaken.

Siza technical manager Kobus Fourie said unless an emergency occurs, residents would be notified about interim interruptions between 24 to 48 hours ahead of time via text messages, ward councillors and the company’s social media platform.

It is estimated repairs to the infrastructure will cost about R30-million, although final engineering reports and tendered costs are still being finalised.

Fourie said Monday would have been the last day of using tankers to supply water, as they have completed the construction of emergency repairs.

“This week, some interruptions might be experienced in Shakaskraal, Shayamoya and Nkobongo as airlocks in the systems are now being released and there could be possible bursts and leaks as the system is fully pressurised,” said Fourie.

Shayamoya and some Shakaskraal residents have not had water supply restored because of damage to Umgeni Water’s mainline in the vicinity of the Etete bridge.

This pipeline feeds into the reservoirs supplying these areas.

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