THE eThekwini Municipality said it has mobilised additional water tankers to assist residents affected by widespread water outages in north Durban.

This comes after the failure of an emergency shaft pump at the Umgeni Water Pump in Inanda Dam which resulted in the reduction of water supply to areas like Sunningdale, Somerset Park, uMhlanga and La Lucia.

City spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela said they were aware of the frustration of the public triggered by water outages.

“This is a situation that is beyond its control. Additional water tankers have been mobilised to assist affected residents. Following an unprecedented demand for water following the water outages, the City is now considering increasing the number of current water tankers on the ground.

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“This will ensure that all residents bearing the brunt of these water shortages, have access to clean water. Members of the public that are battling to access water tankers in their areas are urged to call our the call centre on 080 131 3013, the toll-free number on 080 311 1111 or use the eThekwini Water and Sanitation WhatsApp number 073 1483 477,” Mayisela said.

Ward 35 councillor, Nicole Bollman, said several residents have been left without water since last week.

“Currently, the tower that supplies Somerset Park, La Lucia and Sunningdale is completely empty and should supply not be increased/resolved, the same unfortunate situation will affect other suburbs in the north. Unfortunately other areas have had no water supply since Thursday last week. Although Umgeni Warer has been working closely with eThekwini Water Services (EWS), to try and manage the impact of the outage on our residents, areas such as greater uMhlanga, Virginia, Sunningdale and Durban North have been impacted,” she said.