STAFF shortages have been the cause of ongoing water supply problems experienced by the Obanjeni community near Mtunzini.

This is according to the King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM) in response to an outcry by Sizakele Mkhize (70), who says it has been more than three months since she has received clean, running water.

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KCDM Municipal Manager, Mbali Ndlovu, said they are working to recruit additional staff to remedy the situation.

‘The Obanjeni area is serviced by a local water treatment plant which draws raw water from the uMlalazi river.

‘The plant is experiencing operational challenges owing to a shortage of process controllers.’

Ndlovu said they are working on a plan to improve the situation.

‘We are aware that there are some supply interruptions at the plant which are not attended to timeously.

‘This in turn affects availability and water quality at times, as the plant produces far less than what is required to meet the demand. We will be allocating personnel to enhance productivity at the plant. The recruitment of additional staff is on the medium-term plan of the municipality,’ said Ndlovu.

Speaking to the Zululand Observer earlier this month, Mkhize said the problems began in June and there has been no intervention from the municipality.

‘Water stopped coming out of the taps and there was no explanation as to why this had happened or how long the problem would last.

‘When the water does come through the taps occasionally, it is dirty and not safe to drink,’ said Mkhize.

For the past couple of months she has been relying on the generosity of some community members who supply her with water which they collect from other areas.

KCDM has, however, appealed to residents who experience water-related issues to contact the call centre on 0800 111258 (toll free number) or send an SMS to 30132.

Alternatively, residents can download the King Cetshwayo DM Citizen App from Google Play or Apple Store or email report@kingcetshwayo.gov.za

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