What was supposed to have been a 24-hour water shutdown, turned into days without a drop of water in eMbalenhle last week.
Govan Mbeki Municipality announced the water shutdown to take place between Sunday, August 1 and Monday, August 2.Residents became devastated when by Wednesday, August 4, the water was still not restored.
Even learning and teaching was disrupted because learners had to be returned home as schools could not operate without water.
“We are concern about this municipality, they don’t deserve our trust. The community did understand when they told us that the bulk pipe that is supplying us with water had bust and two days were needed to repair it.
“Now our concern is that we are on the fourth day without water and no one is updating us because even their Facebook page is confusing,” said Ms Lindiwe Masombuka, a resident.
“Monday, GMM wrote that the repairing of the bulk supply pipeline to eMbalenhle is progressing very well and their team worked throughout the night to ensure that at least we get water that day (Monday), but the water was never restored.
“Then on Tuesday we were told repairs to the pipe are reaching completion. Thereafter, they again said the repairs are ongoing, but were delayed due to leak that was detected after opening the water,” she said.
The municipality deployed water thankers on Wednesday to provide temporary relief, but water was not enough for the entire community.
Water thankers were only seen in some sections and other residents complained that the municipal workers are selective.
“We are at adjusted lockdown level 3. We need to wash our hands but there is no water.
“Now get water from thankers but there are no wearing of masks or social distancing,” said another resident, Ms Vusi Magagula.
“They will blame us for the increase in infections.
“If the municipality gave this repair work to a skilled company, this situation would have been avoided and completed at stipulated period,” she said.
“How can they repair a pipe and close it without testing the pressure and checking for leaks.
“They now again began excavation work to look for faults while we are in crisis,” said Ms Magagula.
Govan Mbeki Municipality did not respond at times of going to press.
