Water protest leads to pipeline damage in Mtwalume
A video was circulated on social media after a pipeline was vandalised in the area.
A protest over a lack of water supply in Ward 11 in Mtwalume under Umzumbe Municipality on April 21 and 22, led to municipal infrastructure being vandalised.
It is believed some residents have had no water for at least three months.
After a pipeline was vandalised in the area, a video was circulated on social media.
Ward councillor Sibonelo Maphumulo blamed Ugu District Municipality for not supplying water in the area.
“There is nothing I have not tried with Ugu, we have had engagements from last year begging them to fix the water issues in Ward 11. Plumbers have come to the area and made us believe that they are fixing the problem when they actually are not. On Tuesday evening (April 21) water came back, which proves that there is water, but it’s being switched off just for Ward 11.”
Furthermore, Maphumulo denied that the community vandalised infrastructure.
Ugu issued a statement condemning the vandalism of critical water infrastructure in the Nyangwini area in Mtwalume, where a pipeline was deliberately damaged and illegal connections were identified, which severely disrupted water supply to the community.
“This act is both disturbing and unacceptable. It undermines the municipality’s ongoing efforts to restore and stabilise water supply, and directly impacts innocent residents who depend on this essential service for their daily livelihoods. The municipality notes with concern that this incident has occurred amid ongoing protests in the area, where concerns have been raised regarding water supply.”
The municipality added that it is deeply concerning and contradictory that while there are claims of no water, critical infrastructure meant to deliver this very service is being vandalised.
It emphasised that vandalism of water infrastructure not only delays service delivery, but also places additional strain on an already pressured system.
Also, Ugu stated it is working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident, and those found responsible will face the full might of the law.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Fever’s Facebook page
