The implementation of more vigorous water ‘choking’ by Umzinyathi District Municipality has left many parts of the municipal area without water for over 14 hours at a time.

And the cuts are starting to bite into local business.  Hotels and Lodges had to explain to guests that they could not  bath because the water had run out – even those establishments with 10 000 litre Jo Jo tanks found that the constant ‘choking’ had resulted in the tanks running dry.

Fast food outlets warned customers that they would be a longer wait to prepare food because the taps had run dry and put up signs asking patrons not to use the toilets.

The cuts have also caused some resentment.  One reader said constant calls to the Umzinyathi District after hour centre –  where water problems are reported – were not answered or when these were, the operator could not say when the water would be back on.

Others said it was ‘still unfair that some lower lying areas’ of town still received water while other parts of town did not.  Tankers were only sent to township areas, another caller told the Courier.

Residents and businesses said they would be consulting lawyers to determine if they can embark on a water account boycott because of the perceived unfairness.