IN an unprecedented move, KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu called an emergency meeting in Mtubatuba on Friday, to get to the bottom of the water crisis.
‘I am led to believe water is available and, from my own investigations, I realise the issue is one of management, particularly at the operations end,’ said Mchunu.
Also in attendance were various COGTA (Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs) representatives from the provincial cabinet, uMkhanyakude District Municipal Administrator Martin Sithole and his COGTA-deployed technical team, Mtubatuba Mayor Israel Nyawo and Deputy Mayor Aidhika Roy, Mtubatuba Acting Municipal Manager Nonhlanhla Mzimela and Mtubatuba Acting General Manager of Community Services Mdu Mahlinza.
Residents from KwaMsane, Mtubatuba Town, Nordale, Khula Village, Dukuduku and St Lucia were invited to state the water situation in their areas, after which uMkhanyakude officials were tasked with providing explanations for the shortage.
Concerned
‘We take the residents’ concerns seriously, without indifference and with responsibility,’ said Mchunu.
He acknowledged the crisis has gripped the entire region relying on Mtubatuba waterworks for water supply.
‘I am gravely concerned about the fighting that has come about from perceived preferential treatment,’ said Mchunu, referring to KwaMsane residents being under the impression St Lucia does not have a water shortage, and vice versa.
It was confirmed that neither Mtubatuba nor St Lucia have had municipal water since 9 April, while KwaMsane has been without for about seven weeks.
In no uncertain terms, Mchunu warned uMkhanyakude officials, particularly the COGTA-deployed technicians, that if pumps were not fixed and installed over the weekend, and if water was not restored by Wednesday, heads would roll.
He ordered a war room to be set up at Mtubatuba Municipality from which the team would operate and not return to uMkhanyakude municipal offices in Mkhuze until the Mtubatuba area had water.
A report-back meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday.
Premier gives ultimatum
Senzo Mchunu warned COGTA heads would roll if water was not restored to Mtuba and surrounds by Wednesday
