Solution to KwaFelekisi water crisis
The municipality has promised to fix the problem.
THERE has been some relief in KwaFelekisi, outside Doonside, after water was restored to some sections of the community after taps had remained dry for over a month.
ALSO READ: Long walk to dry taps in KwaFelekisi
The community had complained that prior to the four-week dry-up, the water supply had been unreliable since 2016 without any explanation from eThekwini Municipality. After a protest at the Umngeni Water’s treatment plant on January 31, eThekwini officials met with the community two days later. The plant is situated in KwaFelekisi and its management confirmed that it has a capacity of 26 million litres of clean water that is readily available to eThekwini to distribute to the community.
The meeting on Thursday, February 3, was held at Umngeni Water premises and was attended by municipality officials and technicians, as well as community representatives. Although he was aware of the meeting, ward 109 councillor, Menzi Manqele, was not present. Resident, Anthony Mdluli, said it was agreed that things will have to be done differently since the way things had been done up to that point had not worked.
“Since that meeting some residents now have water. We would like to see all sections of this area with water coming out of the taps, then a way forward can be charted so that a permanent solution is found,” said Mdluli.
While eThekwini had provided a water tanker to provide water, the community had complained of corruption in the way it was scheduled as it sometimes arrived as late as 23:00. Mdluli said a detailed explanation about the causes of the water shortage was provided and attributed to leaks and a strain on the distribution system.
“We also formed a WhatsApp group with officials and community representatives to ensure that communication lines stay open,” said Mdluli.
The water tankers will continue to provide relief at convenient times as the municipality works on a long term solution.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
