Angry residents of Steadville, Tsakane and Acaciavale gathered at the uThukela District Municipality offices this morning (August 19), demanding an immediate solution to their prolonged water shortages.

The residents say they have endured more than two weeks without a reliable water supply, making it difficult to maintain basic hygiene and sanitation.

They raised concerns about filthy toilets and overflowing sewage, saying the situation has created unhygienic conditions in their communities.

The protesters made it clear that they want their water supply restored immediately and are not prepared to wait for long-term plans. Some residents vowed to remain in the municipality’s council chambers until their concerns were addressed.

Mayor explains the crisis

uThukela Mayor Inkosi NB Shabalala addressed the frustrated residents and acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

The mayor said the current shortages are linked to challenges at the Ezakheni Water Treatment Works, including failing pumping infrastructure, silt accumulation at the abstraction point, and declining water levels. He added that the situation has also been worsened by leaks, ageing pipes, infrastructure vandalism, sewer spillages and water rationing.

“We are trying our utmost best to ensure that every household has access to clean water all the time,” said Shabalala.

He gave his assurance that the municipality was working to resolve the challenges and improve the reliability of water supply.

Residents see efforts at the plant

As part of the municipality’s response, residents were taken to the water treatment works and shown how water moves through the system. They also witnessed excavation work to remove silt that had accumulated at the abstraction point.

The municipality has been working with uMngeni-uThukela Water to address the pumping problems, while efforts are also underway to improve the flow of raw water into the system.

Tankers provide temporary relief

While repairs and other interventions continue, affected communities have been allocated water tankers to provide households with water. The tankers are intended as a short-term measure while the municipality works to restore a more consistent supply.

Long-term plans on the table

Shabalala said the municipality was considering the removal of silt from the current abstraction point as an immediate solution, while the construction of a new storage dam could provide another option.

A larger long-term project is also being proposed at Spioenkop, where a new water treatment plant could be constructed with a capacity greater than the Ladysmith Water Treatment Works.

The proposed plant would complement the existing Ezakheni infrastructure and increase the volume of water available for distribution.

For the residents who gathered at the municipality, however, the demand remains immediate: They want their taps running again.

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