Residents of oThongathi, north of Durban, have welcomed government’s interim water supply interventions, four months after the April floods damaged the town’s main treatment plant.
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu announced that there would be a tie-in to the Mamba Ridge pipe that will assist to direct water from the Hazelmere Dam to the oThongathi area.
Residents of oThongathi demand intervention in the water crisis plaguing the area:
This tie-in is expected to be completed by the 15th of next month. eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda says
that 26 tankers will continue to supply the community with water regularly.
The Civic Association spokesperson Charles Chetty says, “Its really exciting times for the residents of Tongaat and the Tongaat civic association, some 140 days later, we’re finally seeing some light in terms of water. The meeting with the Minister was fruitful in terms of the agreement for us to get water by the 15 of September.”
Businesses and taxis heeded the protestors’ call for a shutdown and schools were also closed.
Last week, community members opted to take their grievances over days without water, to the streets, burning tyres and tree logs that ensured the busiest roads were blocked.
