THE Currie Road reservoir, located on Currie Road in Musgrave, is situated in an area that gives residents a chance to enjoy a phenomenal view over the Botanic Gardens and city skyline – from Moses Mabhida Stadium, then spreading across the inner-city skyline to the right.
The Musgrave reservoir is one of the many reservoirs that provides water to residents in Durban. However, Musgrave residents have come out to express their concerns over the reservoir water being tampered with after they noticed that the cover of the reservoir had been removed.
Musgrave resident and Ward 31 committee representative, Dees Ahmed, says he was informed on August 23 by the Ward 31 councillor that the reservoir water had been tampered with.
“Remona informed all the ward committee members that the reservoir water has potentially been compromised after meeting with municipal officers and investigating the area.”
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As a Musgrave resident, Ahmed was concerned. “For residents, it was quite worrying. This is one of the main reservoirs that supplies Durban residents with water. After we found out, I and many of my neighbours and other community members stopped drinking water from our taps and began purchasing water until we got the all-clear.”
Ward 31 councillor Remona McKenzie immediately got to work, in conjunction with the eThekwini Municipality.
“I immediately contacted Sbu Ndlovu, the superintendent for Durban Central Bulk Water Infrastructure. With my intervention, he requested officials to meet with me, and we discussed the challenges. The officials then investigated what needed to be done.”
McKenzie says some of the serious challenges the Water Department has mentioned are:
1. Continuous vandalism within reservoir sites.
2. Steel theft for scrap metal.
3. Padlocks being stolen.
Before the councillor’s and municipality’s intervention, there was no lock on the gate surrounding the reservoir, allowing for easy access to any passerby to access the reservoir. According to McKenzie, the Botanic Gardens Supervisor has also reported several cases of vandalism, including the incident where it appears homeless people have gained access to the reservoir.
“I firstly requested for the water to be tested as this was critical. I then requested a security guard to be placed on site and that the steel lids that cover the reservoir be replaced to make sure water is not exposed, so these incidents do not re-occur. Locks have been placed to secure the wet tank that was found open during my oversight. Rangers Security also offered assistance as they patrol the area,” said Mckenzie.
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The councillor and the municipality have implemented the following changes:
1. The Currie Road reservoir is now safely locked and secured.
2. There are now two 24-hour security guards from the municipality at the site.
3. Water samples have been taken to the lab, tested, and declared safe to drink.
4. Vandalized and dislocated steel lids covering the wet chamber have been re-installed, sealed, and locked.
Mckenzie says she couldn’t have achieved these results without the help of the eThekwini Municipality. “I am very satisfied with the turnaround time for fixing this problem. I will also be inspecting other reservoirs in my ward to ensure there is no threat of the water potentially being compromised and to ensure that security is up-to-par.”
