Ramsgate dries up
Much of the town has been without water for a fortnight.
FOR almost two weeks, people living in Ramsgate have turned on their taps to find no water and have finally resorted to contacting the Herald.
Understandably, they are frustrated at having to do without this vital commodity for such an extended period of time.
Those affected feel that poor planning was part of the problem, as the ageing pipes were supposed to have been replaced a decade ago.
Hazel Voice of Shirley Avenue told the Herald that she had phoned Ugu on several occasions. “During this period, I have been given many reasons as to why there was no water, ranging from the reservoir is empty to there are broken pipes or someone shut off the valve,” she said.
“I believe there should be intervention from higher levels of government, as people can’t be deprived of their basic right to water. It has reached a point where we have had enough and want answers. Since 2009, we have experienced water problems almost every day,” she said.
A bed and breakfast owner added that it was extremely embarrassing. “Trying to explain to your paying guests that they cannot flush their toilets and that you do not know why, makes you look stupid!”
It was pointed out that on the rare occasion there was water available, it was muddy and brown, leaving laundry stained.
One resident said he had been helping out as much as he could. “I have been taking water from my pool and giving it to my neighbours, many of whom have children.”
Ugu District Municipality spokesman Sipho Khuzwayo said that these disruptions were the result of repeated breaks in the pipeline which then affected the supply, especially to the high-lying areas.
“These occurrences can largely be attributed to the state of the existing infrastructure which is earmarked as part of the pipeline replacement programme. Ugu has decided to deal with this as an emergency intervention. Our engineers, together with external assistance, are currently assessing the scope of works and it is expected that the municipal manager will authorise the emergency intervention,” said Mr Khuzwayo.
Ugu apologised for the inconvenience caused and said it will speed up the intervention processes.
