Taps run dry in Marburg and surrounds

Residents of most parts of Marburg, Oslo Beach and Port Shepstone are seething after almost six days without water.

“I contacted the call centre numerous times, and they didn’t know when water would be restored. I asked for a water tanker, I was told they can’t send one. Where do we get water from? My two children couldn’t bathe and didn’t go to school. Water is a basic need,” said an irate Marburg resident.

Another resident said that it was costly to buy water all the time and still pay Ugu District Municipality. “Life is already difficult with increases in prices of food, petrol and much more.”

An Oslo Beach resident said confusing feedback has been received on many issues over a period of time. “This matter must go to a higher authority, be it provincial or parliament, and a full forensic investigation undertaken.”

A business owner in Marburg said: “It is bad enough that the road construction has affected our businesses negatively, now this. How do we run our businesses without water? How do we clean our shops? How do my staff use the toilet? This situation is unacceptable. Ugu needs to sort out this mess. Enough is enough,” he said.

Another Oslo Beach resident shared the same sentiments.

“It angers me as a parent to see my family suffer. The South Coast is plagued by incompetent officials who don’t care about the community at large. They are public servants who only serve their own interests.”

In a statement, Ugu said the municipality is aware of water supply interruptions in Marburg and Oslo Beach. Also, these areas are fed by the Marburg Reservoir in Mkholombe, which has had a consistent water supply for many months.

“Two pipes burst in Romsdal and Settlers roads on April 11 and 12; both were repaired, and water was restored in Marburg. After April 13, technicians realised reservoir levels continued to rise. However, supply was not reaching the intended households. Teams began to troubleshoot the entire system and found a faulty control valve. The necessary work was conducted, however, minimal change was realised on April 14,” said Ugu spokesperson France Zama.

He added: “The next step is to drain the reservoirs to assess any obstructions as water is not leaving the reservoirs. In the meantime, water relief through tankers will be increased to all areas that are affected until the water disruptions are resolved.

As of Wednesday, most areas had low water pressure.

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