The past weeks have been havoc for residents in Tasbet Park and other areas, their water supply has been cut off and the taps have run dry.
On Tuesday, September 16 Tasbet Park residents took to the streets to show their frustration of not having water and not being informed as to what had happened to their water. They staged a protest where they burned tyres and barricaded the streets with rocks and bricks. Police were called to the scene and eventually order was maintained.
“We are lucky if the water lasts the whole day then we can do things around the house, but if you are at work when you come back there is no water and it only returns after midnight. What must we do with it then if you are sleeping?” said an angry resident from Tasbet Park 12 who wished not to be named.
She is not the only one who felt the frustration of not having water for weeks on end. Many had resorted to buying water but some complained that even that water runs out very quickly and is costing them unnecessary funds, considering that they pay their water rates to the municipality
Some areas of Tasbet Park were still affected on September 29, with others complaining that the water had gone again and it did not look like it would be back anytime soon. Other areas that were affected by the water shortage include Extension 16 in Klipfontein, Extension 11 in Kwa-Guqa and Some areas of Lynville and Ackerville. These areas have been without water for weeks on end, however some places in these areas have burst water pipes with fresh water running on the streets whilst the taps have nothing to produce.
A water truck was seen in Extension 41 and Tasbet Park 2 areas on September 29 helping residents fill up their buckets and cans for a supply of water. It is not known how long this water shortage will go on or when the problems are expected to be fixed by the municipality.
eMalahleni is not the only municipality affected by the shortage of water and residents all over have resorted to striking, protests or a go-slow on production due to the shortage of water.
The municipality spokesperson has not yet returned emails with regards to the complaints.
