uMhlathuze, uMngeni-uThukela reject ‘poisoned water’ rumours

The City of uMhlathuze and uMngeni-uThukela Water have dismissed WhatsApp voice notes in which it is alleged that local water supplies have been poisoned.

“The City of uMhlathuze is aware of a circulating WhatsApp voice note claiming Pakistani nationals have contaminated water in the area of Cubhu Lake in Madlankala, eSikhaleni with poison,” said acting city manager Phakama Mhlongo in a statement issued on Friday.

“Please note that Cubhu Water Treatment Works has 24-hour, seven-days-a-week armed security guards and the facility has recently been fenced, therefore access is controlled at all times.

“The city would like to inform the public that this is a matter of concern and we are currently investigating the veracity of this information. The city is working with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the water supply and will provide updates as soon as the investigation is completed,” said Mhlongo.

uMngeni-uThukela Water spokesperson Siyabonga Maphumulo echoed this reassurance.

“uMngeni-uThukela Water has noted a number of fake voice notes alleging that suspects had been caught pouring poison into some dams in KwaZulu-Natal, including Midmar and another unidentified dam which supplies eThekwini Municipality,” said Maphumulo.

“We dismiss these allegations as false, designed to cause unnecessary panic and confusion among the public.

“The water we supply to all our municipal customers remains safe for human consumption and is tested in accordance with the highest drinking water quality standards,” he said.

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