Hopes are high that repairs will finally begin on a burst main water pipeline that has left Dundee without water for three days.

uMzinyathi District Municipality said work could not begin last night because the correct-sized replacement pipe could not be sourced locally and was being transported from a supplier in Richards Bay.

“An excavator has been sent out as the TLB could not access the main pipe, which is in a stream,” municipal manager B Ntanzi was quoted as saying.

The burst has left Dundee without water since Saturday, with even the Mpati area, which usually enjoys a supply because of its low-lying position, experiencing dry taps.

Residents were initially left confused by conflicting reports, with some messages suggesting lightning had struck the pump station, while others claimed the new pumps at the Tayside pump station had arrived and problems had occurred during the switchover.

Municipal spokesperson Thandeka Ngcobo later dismissed these reports, confirming that the main pipeline supplying Dundee had burst in an inaccessible section of a stream.

The municipality expressed hope that water would be restored sometime during the course of today.

Borehole water offered

Meanwhile, community activist Preshu Singh has offered residents access to water from his borehole at his home in Smith Street, Dundee.

Residents needing water can contact Singh on 082 366 3335 for details.