‘No water crisis in Umzinyathi’, says District Mayor
"Statements are sent on a monthly basis via post office, emails and our website. Reminders are also sent out via ms’s have been sent to consumers to pay their water accounts,
Umzinaythi Mayor, Petros Ngubane, has denied that there is a ‘water crisis in the district’ following months of water shedding and accusations that incorrect bills are sent (if at all) to residents amid claims that the water reticulation infrastructure in especially in Endumeni is crumbling.
Mayor Ngugane’s statement comes after Umvoti (Greytown) Mayor, Philani Mavundla, said the Mayor said he is neglecting his duties to provide water and sanitation services in the four local municipalities of Umvoti, Endumeni, Nquthu, and Msinga.
Mavundla said, ‘despite the undeniable evidence of a looming humanitarian catastrophe, the (district) mayor has chosen to adopt a unique approach: doing absolutely nothing.’
This prompted a rebuke from Mayor Ngubane, who said that Mavundla ‘is not well versed in how the country’s system is layered and responsibilities are allocated.’
Allegations from residents that water bills, when these are received, are often inaccurate and that some households have their water cut while some others in Endumeni ‘never receive accounts but get water every day’, were referred to Thulasizwe Msimango, acting revenue manager at Umzinyathi District.
“Statements are sent on a monthly basis via post office, emails and our website. Reminders are also sent out via ms’s have been sent to consumers to pay their water accounts,
“As far as allegations that some customers never receive accounts but still receive a service, those that do not receive bills should please come to the Umzinyathi offices to have their records updated. We have conducted door-to-door campaigns to have our records updated, but some residents simply refuse (to co-operate), he said.
“In conclusion, uMzinyathi District Municipality is using the Sage Evolution Financial System for billing of water accounts. Those customers who are not happy with their account are requested to come with the evidence to their nearest offices.” Msimango told the Courier.
