Residents hailing from various parts of Umzinto and surrounding areas have either been without water for several days or have been experiencing low water levels, lately.

A message circulated on social media, and also by a local councillor, indicated that despite efforts to address challenges, the Umzinto Water Treatment Works is operational but producing below-normal water levels. The pumping process is still not optimal, even with load shedding reduced from stage 6 to stage 3 and 4.

The Umzinto plant’s abstraction, treatment and production are severely compromised by load shedding, resulting in shortages in key areas including Shayamoya, Esperanza, Malangeni, Umzinto CBD, Hazelwood, Farm Isonti, KwaCele, Dududu, Malangeni and more.

Ugu District Municipality today (February 14) released a statement addressing the matter of power cuts affecting water supply.

“Our water systems are highly reliant on Eskom power supply to function effectively, and the recent blackouts increase the risk of constant water disruptions in most areas across the district,” said spokesman France Zama.

“These power blackouts bring the risk associated with obstruction of our water pumping regime to provide pressure to higher-lying areas which have an impact on filling of reservoirs adequately resulting in restricted supply of water.”

Ugu requests the public to make necessary arrangements by ensuring that they store enough water to last longer during the ongoing load shedding.

To keep up to date with water related matters, visit Ugu District Municipality’s Facebook page.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram