A team of officials visited the Tugela Estate Water Works on Friday morning (April 3) to monitor the plant operations and see that everything is running smoothly during the lockdown. The team consisted of uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko; Deputy Mayor NW Mchunu; Water, Sanitation & Technical Services chairperson Cllr S Dlungwane; councillors; EDTEA; Umgeni Water and other officials.
On arrival, the team was briefed by the operators of the plant. Mayor Mazibuko says it should be known that the plant was handed over to Umgeni Water, as they are now running some of the bulk plants in the district.
“The main purpose of us coming here was to get a glimpse of how the plant operates and also find out if there are any challenges in terms of pumping and supplying water to communities,” explained the mayor.
Umgeni Water operator Mthombeni explained that the plant was designed to ‘feed’ a certain number of people and that all the pumps on the side of Sahlumbe are working well.
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He said they have decided to shed water on certain days in order to make sure everyone has water. uThukela operator Duma gave assurance that water supply was managed well and people do get water as per the schedule. He acknowledged that there are some challenges regarding water supply in one or two areas, but that the issues are being attended to.
Cllr Dlungwane promised the operators that, by Tuesday, they will get spare parts and equipment to overcome some of the challenges being faced. It is hoped that this will assist in terms of making sure that everyone has water supply, particularly in the areas currently experiencing issues.
The mayor said he will make sure that the commitment made by Cllr Dlungwane sees the light of day.
Places like Oqungwini and its surroundings were also visited, which already have existing pipelines and running taps. The uThukela District Technical Team then fixed more standpipes along the roadside to enable communities to have access to water, much to the delight of the people.
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