FOR more than a year residents of north Durban have battled limited and intermittent water supply.

The return of load shedding over the weekend, albeit brief, also adversely affected water supply in north Durban.

In addition, the eThekwini Municipality’s decision to implement a water curtailment programme, which began last year, drew widespread criticism from residents and ratepayers’ bodies.

In Durban North and uMhlanga, some residents who were without water voiced their frustration and unhappiness over the issue.

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In his speech at the Exco meeting, Durban mayor Cyril Xaba said it was “unacceptable” that residents suffer.

“In the last three months, we were inundated with calls from irate residents complaining about water challenges. In the short to medium term, we are implementing the Water Turnaround Strategy which has been endorsed by National Treasury. The strategy encompasses interventions to address water losses or non-revenue water. We are also investing in building and upgrading water and sanitation infrastructure,” Xaba said.

Xaba also admitted in the meeting that water supply challenges are now worse than before. He added he was pleased that various projects are being implemented to address the increasing demand for water in the City.

These projects include the construction of the Upper uMkhomazi Dam, which is due for completion in 2032.

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His comments were echoed by Durban North resident Johann van den Berg.

“I do fear the situation getting worse with the water restrictions. However I strongly advocate for JoJo tanks as one way to mitigate the water supply issues. I have a few tanks which helps with basic water needs. For some residents who work and the elderly it has been even more difficult for them to get water as they can’t get to a tanker during the day,” he said.

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