As the new year begins, water quality remains a significant issue for residents of Endumeni, with ongoing challenges in the water supply system. An electrical fault at the Tayside pumping station on the Buffalo River has left the water treatment plant unable to properly process water.

Glencoe has been particularly hard hit, as the small reservoir serving the town has not been upgraded in over 50 years, according to long-time residents. The situation has been worsened by a malfunction with the plant’s filters, which are reportedly unable to cope with the increased mud entering the system after recent floods in the Buffalo River.

Sources indicate that four filters have been sent for repairs, but the current infrastructure is proving inadequate to handle the additional strain. As a result, many residents have reported receiving mud-coloured water from their taps, further exacerbating the already dire situation.

Residents and local authorities are calling for immediate action to address the outdated infrastructure and improve the water treatment process to ensure clean, safe water for the community.

See the video here: (video from a Dundee home today, January 14, 2025)

All this has prompted residents to organise a march on the Umzinyathi District Municipality to protest against what they say is a water crisis.

“They are very quick to cut our water off – ironically we don’t have any – when they say our bills are in arrears. Yet, their own billing system is completely out of kilt,” declared one frustrated resident.

Umzinyathi District Municipality rarely responds to any press queries.

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