WATCH: Angry residents block R34 near Empangeni amid ongoing water shortages

Scores of furious Macakene residents blockaded the R34 outside Empangeni during Monday morning rush hour, demanding water and clarity as to when a bulk water scheme will be completed.

Residents claim they are struggling to get water even through tankers.

Simangaliso Gumede said they are very angry that the City of uMhlathuze reduced the number of water tankers that were allocated to their ward.

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“We previously had four water tankers for Ward 31, but now there is only one. This tanker is now responsible for filling 59 communal tanks for us to get water,” he said.

“These standpoints are along the main roads. We do not have any other alternative where we can get water.

“Water is life and without it, we can’t cook or wash our clothes. On Saturday, we attended a community meeting at Inkosi Madoda Hall, where city officials were expected to give us the latest developments on these two issues.

“The city sent only a junior official to attend the meeting. He failed dismally to provide us with answers,” said Gumede.

Ward Councillor Sphamandla Gcabashe said he was not aware of the community’s unhappiness after Saturday’s meeting, but conceded that some of the residents’ questions were ‘too technical for us’.

He said the City of uMhlathuze has agreed to provide two more tankers to assist with water provision and distribution.

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