DESPITE the recent rains and Hluhluwe dam levels reportedly sitting at 60%, Hluhluwe residents say they have not had the luxury of running water for two weeks.
‘About two months ago businesses in the town’s industrial area were fitted with new water meters and, although we have not had any water for two weeks, our most recent bill was almost R2 000,’ said one business owner.
She said four women, thought to be from uMkhanyakude District Municipality, took meter readings on Tuesday, but when asked about the water shortage, could not answer.
‘Going without water for a day or two can be dealt with, but when there is none for two weeks with no end in sight, that is unacceptable.
‘We just want answers, but no one at the district municipality appears willing or able to give them.’
The lack of water is not limited to the industrial area. Other businesses in Hluhluwe town, as well as residents, are also suffering.
uMkhanyakude District municipal spokesperson, Mdu Dlamini, said the issue was reported by a Hluhluwe resident on Saturday and, after following up, technicians found that a lightning strike had damaged the electrical connections to the water supply system.
This was fixed on Sunday.
‘However, while we were trying to boost water supply on Monday, the lightning did the same thing again.’
At the time of going to print, technicians were on site to fix the problem and determine how the system can be protected from future lightning strikes.
Dlamini said until water supply is fully restored, the municipality will send water tankers to the affected areas.
ALSO READ: Municipal spat over water provision in Mtubatuba
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