Sir,
Much has been said about water issues in Dundee and surrounding areas. Residents have given vent to their feelings: anger, suspicion, unacceptable excuses and feelings of being let down by the authorities.
Let’s unpack some of the reports, comments and responses that appeared in the Courier on this subject:
October 10, 2014: No more free water for all. UDM states: “The 6 kilolitres free water will apply to ‘indigent’ customers. They failed to explain as to how indigents are determined.
October 31, 2014: Comments from Communications Officer, Nomonde Nzimakwe: “The Umzinyathi District Municipality is committed to providing high quality service (water) to its residents”.
November 21, 2014: “Supplying water is a costly business” as conveyed by Councillor Bedassi in his response to a letter submitted by Brian. In his letter, Cllr. Bedassi mentions the cost of “repairs and maintenance of infrastructure, salaries and other related costs. He also states that “the current tariffs approved by Council are cost reflective with a stepped up increase of 10% to ensure that maintenance of the infrastructure is implemented”.
On the contrary, I refer to the letter submitted by “Not Fooled” – Courier dated December 5, 2014 in which the writer states: The reality is: the water tariff went up by 30%. The writer states further that “the Umzinyathi Council achieved this astronomical increase through devious means in three disingenuous steps. He goes on to explain succinctly as to how this is achieved. December 19, 2014: UDM imposes restrictions. It also states that the water is safe to drink, though consumers expressed disgust at the colour and taste. It is also mentioned that the Tayside pump station’s electrical supply was off due to Eskom’s load-shedding. In fact my understanding is that the pump was dysfunctional due to lack of maintenance.
January 16, 2015: “Gatvol… and Waterless…” as described by Glencoe Residents. The situation was pathetic. Residents had to resort to desperate measures to acquire water. Dr Z Bodiat could not elicit any answers to logical questions put forward. It was quoted: “We are all beyond angry now and feel a deep sense of hopelessness, physically sick, despair and depression about the situation”.
January 22, 2015: Courier inundated with complaints from readers – “Water Cuts Unfair” – further comments on Facebook.
February 13, 2015: “Bottled water craze hits Endumeni”. The picture shows the Buffalo River flowing steadily. Rumours abound. Ruptured elbow join in pipeline. Workers from elsewhere rushed in to carry out repairs; pump stolen; no skilled technicians, etc.
February 20, 2015: “Water crisis – it’s critical”.
More grim news about water supply. Only solution R1.2 billion pipeline. In the midst of severe disastrous atmosphere, Councillor Bedassi urges all to act responsibly.
February 27, 2015: “Taps to keep flowing?” Farmers rejected allegations that the flow of the Buffalo River has been impeded or diverted by sandbags. This was alleged by Umzinyathi’s Water Services Manager, Mr Ramlal, having indicated that legal investigations were underway. The controversy was plagued with the ‘blame game’. No tangible explanations came forth.
March 6, 2015: Quality of tap water. Comments on Facebook: Not good at all; Beyond disgusting; Will not pay till water is fit for human consumption; Should be taken up with the Health Department; Could be a conspiracy; Engage independent company to investigate and drink beer meanwhile.
March 13, 2015: Mr Hickley, Senior Manager, Operations and Laboratory Services at uThukela Water, Newcastle, advises that water is safe to drink, though horrible to taste.
At this stage, I would like to pose the following questions to Councillor Bedassi as he seems to feature a lot in this water saga:
1. Is it true that the water pump at the Buffalo River was not stolen at any stage? In fact the pump failed in operation due to lack of maintenance?
2. Is it a fact that the pump remained out of action for a length of time? As a result water was not conveyed to our water reservoir?
3. Is it true that the pump equipment was finally taken to a company in Newcastle for repairs?
4. Is it a fact that the equipment was held at the company in Newcastle for some time awaiting payment?
5. Is it true that payment for repairs had been made eventually but pump still not removed from Newcastle?
As the consumers have the right to information, a true status of this matter is requested.
Disgusted.