Dispute over water crisis in uMhlanga, Ngwelezane
A resident in Ngwelezane's uMhlanga 2 area said the ordeal started after the previous heavy rains
Residents in Ngewelezane claim they have been without running water for almost two months – a claim the city refutes.
According to Neil Dunn (46), a resident in Ngwelezane’s uMhlanga 2 area, the ordeal started after the previous heavy rains.
“I have called the city’s water department several times to report the matter. After the heavy rains, they said the water pump was damaged at the reservoir and promised to dispatch water tankers.”
Dunn claimed that after a few days, the city stopped sending water tankers without reason, despite their taps being dry.
“We are forced to buy water in town and from our neighbours. Other areas around us have water, and the city employees are aware of it. I suggested they install a communal water tank and fill it with water regularly, but they ignored my advice,” he said.
“What about those who cannot afford to buy water or do not have transport to carry gallons of water?”
“The situation is very bad. Our children have to go to school in unwashed uniforms, we do not have water to wash our hands after using the bathroom.
“In some cases, we force our children not to brush their teeth, but to chew toothpaste to save water.”
These claims were echoed by Nompumelelo Dlamini (56) who said she doesn’t have money to buy and hire transport for water.
“Together with my children, we harvest rainwater. If there is no rain, we have to travel around the village to beg for water. I can afford to buy water, but my earning is not enough as I have children to look after,” she said.
“Whenever we phone our municipality to make enquiries, they blame load-shedding. We are frustrated. We do not know what to do,” she said.
The city’s communication manager, Bongani Gina, refuted these claims, saying there is no water interruption in ward 29, especially at uMhlanga 2.
“That is a blatant lie, I can assure you that there is no water crisis in that area. As the city, we are of the view that those people are playing cheap politics,” Gina said.
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