In a drive to interact with residents, inspect water leaks and fix damaged pipes to save water, Ilembe District Mayor Thobani Shandu led the Thuma Mina campaign in KwaDukuza on Friday.

Shandu encouraged those who are illegally connected to come forward.

“Our main aim is to get connected legally. We will register them and connect them legally, so they will be able to pay for water supply. Those who are earning less than R3 000 per month will get water for free,” said Shandu.

“The Auditor-General’s report stipulates that we lost water to the tune of R105m in the last financial year, and no one could account for the loss. We lost this water through ageing infrastructure and illegal connections.

“During the State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa made it clear that water revenue needs to be invested in the improvement and maintenance of water infrastructure.

“That is why we embarked on this campaign; to register those classified as indigent, and those who qualify to pay for water services so we can account for every drop of water.”

A community member, Ndabenhle Mzoneli, appreciated the mayor’s visit to address water leaks and other challenges faced by the community.

“My main concern is that there are people stealing electricity cables and water pumps, and that leaves us with no water in the area. We need those people to be held responsible. That deprives residents of their constitutional right to have water and electricity,” he said.

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