uThukela currently working on Wembezi water challenges
An interim short-term solution is currently being assessed
uThukela District Municipality has provided an update on the water shortages in some parts of Estcourt, particularly Wembezi. This follows the Wembezi community raising concerns about the water crisis.
Yesterday (March 12), the district municipality issued a statement clarifying the cause of the water challenge in Wembezi and Ntabamhlophe, saying it’s because of burst water pipes. They promised the community that the problem would be fixed soon, as a team was on site.
The statement reads, “uThukela District Municipality informs the community of Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality that there is a major burst pipe on a 400mm pumping main from George Cross Water Treatment Works to Wembezi. The team is on site, but unfortunately the repairs cannot be conducted at night. They will therefore come back in the morning at 5am to continue with the repairs. The water supply to Wembezi and Ntabamhlophe will therefore be affected. Apologies for the inconvenience caused.”
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Meanwhile, uThukela District leadership (led by Mayor Inkosi NB Shabalala and accompanied by Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality leadership) visited the Khwezi pump station to check on the progress of repairs. The Khwezi pump station supplies water to Mshayazafe and Mabhalonini. It has been a long time since the communities of Mshayazafe and Emabhalonini have complained about water shortages in these areas.
However, the municipality has raised concerns about alleged infrastructure sabotage that led to one suspect being arrested. The case is currently in court.
The mayor and his entourage found that the repairs were complete. uThukela promised the community that, in the meantime, an alternative short-term intervention is being assessed by the technical team that will assist in supplying affected communities with potable water.
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