“Bear with us!”

That’s the plea from City of uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi, speaking with reference to ongoing water problems plaguing Richards Bay.

Ngwezi was speaking after he led an oversight visit to ongoing work at the Mzingazi Water Treatment Plant (MWTP) in Arboretum on Friday.

“The water concern has been running for a long time, and it must be finished quickly. It is our people who are paying for services that are affected the most,” said the mayor, stating that there were no budgetary issues relating to the work that still needed to be done.

The big fix is well under way but delays are expected over the next eight to 10 weeks, pending the arrival of parts.

The project commenced on 27 May and completion is expected by 11 October.

This will be followed by the replacement of Meerensee pumps, which should bring the water supply challenge to an end.

Ngwezi was accompanied by city leadership, officials and councillors to assess the project and developments, amid complaints from angry residents across various areas, who have experienced water shortages over the past several months.

The plant is a vital municipal facility operated by the city, supplying bulk domestic water to the greater Richards Bay area and surrounds, using Lake Mzingazi as its primary raw water source.

“At least 40% of the work has been done but we have to look at ways of completing ahead of schedule as this project does not affect only city residents but also surrounding areas, including those under King Cetshwayo District.”

It was highlighted that the MWTP is more than 52 years old, and part of the ageing infrastructure that is being upgraded will be integrated into the distribution network.

Originally built to supply drinking water to Richards Bay, the facility dates back to the early development of the area’s water infrastructure near Lake Mzingazi.

In extracting water from the lake and pushing it through the treatment works, the city is starting to replace the three pumps at the raw water pump.

In total, eight pumps will be replaced; three raw extraction pumps, two backwash pumps and three pumps in Meerensee.

There are several valves that will also be replaced.

Delivery delays of the pumps, which were ordered in mid-June, could see them arrive much later.

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