Are the night-time water cuts fair and equitable? Apparently not, say Courier readers who have inundated the newspaper with calls and messages to complain that Umzinyathi District Municipality’s current water saving methods only target certain areas.
In December, Umzinyathi warned in the Courier that because of the drought, water would be cut from 10pm to 4am every night. This was relaxed over the festive period but the restrictions are now back. However, cut-off now starts at around 8.30pm and lasts until at least 5am

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But not all suburbs suffer. The affected areas appear to be on the Victoria Street side of the railway line that includes Sibongile, Berea and lower and upper Strathmore Park. Most of the central business district, Mpati, Peacevale and other areas continue to have water during the night.

Glencoe is also not cut off – other than the higher-up parts suffering from shortages due to problems with the reservoir which Umzinyathi saying they are working on.
Some readers were concerned that the constant cuts will impact on geysers and pipes. “The water restrictions cause airlocks which can easily blow geyers. Who is going to pay for the damage?” said reader, Johann. Sandile wanted to know why the UDM does not restrict the use of hose pipes, filling of swimming pools and washing of cars rather than shut the water off at night ‘in some parts of town’.Shift worker, DV, said he often returned home after 10pm and was frustrated by not having to bath. Heila commented: “I heard about the crisis due to dam levels that are low, but why are only certain areas are affected and not the rest of town?”
Umzinyathi was asked to comment but at the time of going to press, no response had been received.