Water summit vows action as Dundee runs dry again
A water summit in Dundee vows urgent action after another major pipeline burst leaves residents dry once again.
The irony was not lost on long-suffering Endumeni residents when a major pipeline burst left Dundee without water for four days this week — just a day after a high-level water summit was held to tackle the district’s ongoing water crisis.
The break, near Diaz Road, was repaired late on Saturday, but higher-lying areas such as Peacevale remained dry. By Sunday, another rupture once again disrupted supply, compounding residents’ frustration.
‘Maintenance, not mismanagement’
Addressing the summit, Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Velenkosini Hlabisa blamed the persistent water issues on ageing infrastructure, funding shortfalls, and neglect of maintenance.
“At least 10% of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant should go toward maintenance, using qualified experts to carry out repairs,” he said. Short-term plans include drilling boreholes in all 61 wards, while long-term goals involve upgrading the Biggarsberg Water Treatment Plant — whose capacity has not been increased in 30 years.
District Mayor Thembisile Mchunu urged businesses to help raise R33 million to complete the Greytown Project before new developments could proceed.
Hlabisa did not mince words on accountability, slamming the R1.4 billion in irregular expenditure incurred by the Umzinyathi District Municipality last financial year — which led to the suspension and dismissal of senior officials.
“We are here to ensure citizens get what they deserve,” he said, commending Msinga Municipality for achieving a clean audit and urging all municipalities to share technical expertise instead of relying on costly consultants.
With 42% of Umzinyathi residents still without access to water, Hlabisa insisted that progress was being made but warned that corruption and incompetence would no longer be tolerated.
“Corruption will not be tolerated. We are here to serve the people — these challenges are not bigger than our collective efforts,” he concluded.
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