It’s back to business as usual for Ugu District Municipality, with only a few areas on the South Coast still without water.
According to municipal manager DD Naidoo, speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday this week, only Ramsgate South, Protea Park and Lions Grove were still experiencing serious problems, but he assured consumers that teams were working to restore water to these areas.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN : #WaterCrisis: ‘Talk, before there is bloodshed” – Willies Mchunu
Mr Naidoo apologised to businesses, residents and community members who had been badly affected by the water crisis, calling the situation “totally unacceptable and one that should have never been allowed to happen”.
KwaZulu-Natal premier, Willies Mchunu finally stepped in to resolve the stand-off between Ugu and its workers.
Stakeholders met with Mr Mchunu and members of his cabinet at Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre last Thursday.
This was followed by a meeting between Ugu management and union leaders.
The meeting continued through the night, ending with the signing of an agreement at 2am on Friday.
According to Mr Naidoo, both parties agreed to allow the law to take its course in tracing those responsible for damaging infrastructure which had exacerbated the already serious water supply interruptions.
He added that a facilitation team was expected to submit reports to the premier who would oversee the dispute resolution process.
“The only major problem we have now is people stealing our static tanks, but we are looking at security measures to deal with this challenge.”
Mr Naidoo thanked the media, non-profit organisations, civil groups, businesses, ratepayers and councillors for assisting during the crisis.
“Without your help it would have been very difficult for us to deal with the situation.”
Asked how South Coast Tourism intended to ensure holidaymakers continued to visit the coast, Ugu Tourism CEO Justin Mackrory said they “had and would continue to apply publicity activity to alleviate consumer concerns for their holiday periods”.
“In this instance we are activating responses and have prepared a short/medium term programme to ensure that visitors do retain their allegiance to the South Coast brands.”
He added that a programme had also been prepared for Ugu, which had been liaised with Cogta.
“We are ready to activate the programme if funded and we have asked the office of the premier to re-visit it.”
Mr Mackrory said although there had been reports of booking cancellations during the crisis, the majority of tourism active areas did have water and most of their members also had back-up supply from tanks and boreholes.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
