The crippling drought is being compounded in Wasbank by corrupt tanker drivers who are selling water to desperate residents.

The Wasbank village has not had running water in taps for two weeks, residents who contacted the Courier said.

Request for Umzinyathi District Municipality to send in water tankers were only partially met, residents claimed.

“Only certain areas received water or there was simply not enough to go around,” said one businessman.  It is believed that the main pipeline between Glencoe and Wasbank is in urgent need of repair.

The Courier was also told that on Saturday and Sunday, drivers from two GP-registered water tankers were seen selling water for up to R300 – depending on the number of containers to be filled.  This is in spite of a large sign on some of the tankers saying that ‘the water is not to be sold;.

Dr Sandy Bedassi, who serves on the Umzinyathi District Council, said he is aware of the incidents and has urged the Municipality to investigate and bring the drivers to book.

It is understood that workmen are currently undertaking repairs to restore the village’s water supply.