The water connection in Lorne Street, which was said to have been supplying the ‘illegal car wash’ is closed off.

Residents have expressed their strong disapproval about the water wasted by the ‘illegal car wash’ in Lorne Street lately. Following the outcry, the local municipality has shut off the water connection.

An extensive investigation launched by uThukela District Municipality officials found that the car wash was not using an illegal water connection, but rather one that was paid for by the local municipality.

That left many questioning whether Umtshezi Local Municipality is funding the illegal car wash. Acting Municipal Manager, Elphas Dladla responded by saying: “We are not in essence subsidising the illegal car wash.

“We as Umtshezi Municipality are duty bound to provide a water source temporarily at the temporary taxi rank at Lorne Street. The group that washes taxis took the opportunity to fetch water from the provided source. After the outcry, we have since closed the said water supply.”