Ugu faces water crisis again

ONCE again South Coast residents and holidaymakers are faced with unscheduled water cuts over the holiday season.

The water cuts are widespread, from Umzumbe to Port Edward, and this has been very bad for business. Some visitors have even had to check out of their holiday accommodation.

Ugu District Municipality spokesman Sipho Khuzwayo has blamed the power outages which were experienced over the weekend for being the cause of the water interruptions.

“This resulted in the reduction of water supply from the water treatment works, hence the storage at the distribution reservoirs was affected,” he explained.

“The reservoir levels were so low that the supply in the pipeline network was compromised. Technicians were sent out to work around the clock to resolve the challenges. Water tankers were dispatched to the affected areas,” he said.

He assured residents that the reservoir levels had now picked up and water was available in most areas, except the high lying areas that have not yet been fully restored.

“This problem was also exacerbated by the cable theft at one of the supply reservoirs. We are currently stabilising the system and expect to have all areas back online as soon as possible,” he said.

“At our recent joint operations committee meeting it was noted that areas in Scottburgh were likely to experience water supply interruptions due to the technical problems being experienced on our mainline,” revealed Mr Khuzwayo.

He emphasised that technicians were working around the clock to resolve the problem. “We urge consumers to conserve and use water sparingly whilst technicians are fixing these technical problems. We regret the inconveniences caused as a result of water supply interruptions,” he concluded.