“You will have to wait for water,” eThekwini mayor tells Tongaat protesters
Residents can only expect water in their taps by the end of October.
Tongaat residents will have to wait for the reconstruction of the Othongathi water plant to be completed before they can expect water in their taps.
This was said by eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, who addressed angry residents who took to the streets today in protest of the ongoing water crisis, blocking the R102 with tree branches and burning tyres.
The plant was destroyed during the April floods.
Protesters demanded water in their taps, even if it was just for two hours a day.
The water plant, expected to become operational again by the end of October, will supply five reservoirs in different areas of Tongaat.
“It is of no use to take shortcuts that might cause problems going forward. So we have to ensure we do the job properly,” said Kaunda.
Asked about a proposed plan of connecting into the Tongaat Hulett water pipe as an interim measure, a suggestion approved by the deputy mayor months ago, Kaunda said engineers determined it would be better to fast-track the rebuilding of the water plant.
Although some part of Tongaat does receive water for few hours a day, Hambanathi and other areas depend solely on water tankers.
Residents also stressed there are not enough water tankers delivering water, claiming more than 7 000 households are served by only one tanker which arrives once or twice in two weeks.
Kaunda said they received water tankers from the national water and sanitation department, but most were withdrawn causing a shortage. Instead of 26 tankers, only nine were available.
“But we are going to bring back more tankers from tomorrow. Twelve will deliver water to ward 62, seven to ward 61 and four for ward 58,” said Kaunda.
Cogta MEC and former KZN premier Sihle Zikalala also addressed the protesters and called for a public meeting on Sunday to further address the issue.
A venue and time are yet to be confirmed.
Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news
Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0
WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
