NORTH Durban residents’ frustrations reached boiling point today (September 22) as an informal protest was staged outside the Virginia Reservoir.
Some residents and businesses have now been without water for five days with no end in sight. Most of uMhlanga and other north Durban areas’ water supply was restored yesterday (Thursday, 21 September).
Their frustrations rose on Friday when no City officials availed themselves to the protest.
Also read: Retired plumber ends water interruption in uMhlanga, Durban North
According to residents at the protest, they wanted City technicians present to inspect the reservoir and investigate why some parts of Durban North had not had their water supply restored.
Jacki Barrington said the water interruption had inconvenienced her and the three elderly family members she takes care of.
“Everyone needs running water, but for the elderly who have catheters, it becomes very difficult to keep things hygienic and sterile. The old people are suffering without water. It’s also hard to flush the toilet and for them to shower,” she said.
Greenwood Park resident and activist, Charles Naidoo, who lives in Avoca, said having no water for five days is a human rights violation.
“Why is this taking so long to fix? Why isn’t anyone from the City here to hear our concerns?” asked Naidoo.
Ward councillors Nicole Bollman, Shontel de Boer, Amir Abdul and Bobby Naidoo, together with DA KZN spokesperson for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Heinz de Boer, visited the reservoir to check levels.
“There is water inside. These reservoirs have substantial depth, and it’s only when the water reaches a certain level that the pumps actually start working. The pressure is also low, making it difficult for water to get to certain households,” said Ward 35 councillor Nicole Bollman.
Also read: Taps run dry for four days in uMhlanga
Aamir Abdul, ward councillor for Ward 110 said several areas in his ward had also been affected with no proper explanation as to what the problem actually is.
“It is frustrating for both residents and councillors. There are insufficient water tankers for the area, three per ward at best,” he added.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Lindiwe Khuzwayo said the City’s teams from the Water and Sanitation Unit are on the ground assessing the northern aqueduct pipeline to ensure water supply is fully restored to all affected areas.
“Yesterday, September 21, reservoirs supplying uMhlanga and Durban North areas started filling up. Due to low levels, the supply to all residents has not been restored as yet,” she said.
Areas affected include Broadway, Umgeni Park, Parkhill, uMhlanga Rocks, uMhlanga, Glen Anil, La Lucia, Virginia and Prestondale.
“Water tankers will continue to supply affected residents. The municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused to customers,” she added.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
