Councillor helps flush out illegal connections
After on-site inspections by city plumbers, it was revealed there were several illegal water connections diverting the supply of water away from the ablution facility.
FOR eight months, residents in an informal settlement in Lot 18 in Motala Heights were forced to live in unhygienic conditions as the ablution facility provided by the city had no water.
The DA PR councillor for Ward 13 and 15, Marlaine Nair, was shocked to learn how long the residents went without the basic necessity.
“It has been especially difficult for the women and children without water,” she said.
After on-site inspections by city plumbers, it was revealed there were several illegal water connections diverting the supply of water away from the ablution facility.
“With great difficulty and perseverance, we were able to have the water restored,” she said.
The residents were extremely grateful for the return of water.
Also read: Durban urged to conserve water as reservoirs run dry
“Those living around the ablution facility had to put up with the stench of urine and faeces night and day as residents would continue using the toilets, even though there was no water. A couple, whose house is close to the facility, would collect water from a standpipe and clean the toilets because they could not bear the unhygienic conditions.
“Every resident has the right to live in a clean and safe environment, and those who connect water illegally are robbing their neighbours of their basic right to water as well as contributing to an environment that is unhealthy for all,” said Nair.
She urged residents to report illegal connections of both water and electricity and to conserve water as the city still faced shortages.
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