Concerns over temporary water relief in eThekwini
Durban — The Verulam Water Crisis Committee (VWCC) issued a scathing response to the temporary upliftment of the water curtailment in the eThekwini Municipality.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina temporarily lifted the water restrictions placed on its KwaZulu-Natal water board, uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) until the end of January 2025, to enable the water board to supply additional water to eThekwini and Msunduzi Local Municipality to enable these municipalities to cater for the increased demands over the festive season.
The Verulam Water Crisis Committee spokesperson, Roshan Lil-Ruthan says the temporary lift comes as a bittersweet relief.
“This decision merely reinforces our long-standing assertion that the water crisis is being manipulated. The timing of this so-called temporary relief is deeply concerning. It risks lulling residents into a false sense of security during the festive season, only for the restrictions to be reimposed shortly thereafter. This cyclical pattern of temporary uplifts and abrupt curtailments exacerbates the uncertainty and instability in our communities, highlighting the need for a more permanent and sustainable solution,” said Lil-Ruthan.
The VWCC is particularly hopeful that this temporary measure will result in the augmentation of the northern aqueduct system, ensuring that all reservoirs from Ntuzuma to Mt. View Reservoir in Verulam, including the Tp1 and Tp3 reservoirs, receive sufficient water supply.
“However, hope alone is not enough. We demand immediate and concrete action to address the pervasive issues plaguing our water supply. The rampant leaks and illegal connections in our community must be tackled with urgency. These issues significantly contribute to our water woes and undermine any efforts to stabilize the supply. We also demand immediate attention to the severe water crisis affecting Tongaat, which has reached critical levels in recent weeks,” said Lil-Ruthan.
“While we appreciate the acknowledgement of these challenges by Minister Majodina and the lifting of restrictions, it is imperative that this temporary measure is not used as a distraction from the long-term issues. The Verulam Water Crisis Committee stands firm in our demand for a comprehensive and transparent Water Conservation and Demand Management plan from the eThekwini Municipality. This plan must outline how the municipality intends to address Non-Revenue Water and ensure a reliable water supply for all residents,” said Lil-Ruthan.
Lil Ruthan urged the government to work collaboratively with the community, not just in rhetoric but in tangible, actionable measures that address the root causes of our water crisis. He said, only then can we move towards a more secure and stable water future for our communities.
The EThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA) chairperson Ish Prahladh said this will definitely come as a relief to the communities of eThekwini.
“Furthermore there must be a big appeal to the informal communities and their leaders to stop illegal car washes and connections. This will also help in saving water which will benefit them when water restrictions come into play. People must save as much as they can and use water sparingly,” Prahladh said.
Majodina and Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, met with eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba on December 25. They discussed the impact of the abstraction curtailments placed on the water board, to its customers, mainly eThekwini, particularly during this holiday season.
The collective received a briefing from technical teams from the Metro and the UUW, on the current state of water supply and the increased demand due to tourism activities during this holiday season.
“It was agreed that the curtailments will be lifted with immediate effect until mid-January while the Department continues to monitor the uMgeni Water Supply System (uMWS) which supplies the municipalities. The storage capacity of the system has improved to 85.6%, owing to the recent rainfall experienced in the catchment,” said Majodina.
Majodina noted with concern that the Metro continues to lose lots of water as a result of leaks and illegal connections. As such, eThekwini has been instructed to prepare a comprehensive Water Conservation and Demand Management plan outlining how it is addressing its Non-Revenue Water which is a big contributor to the current water challenges in the Metro, and to present it to the collective.
“The uMngeni-uThukela Water Board is already exceeding its abstraction limit from the uMWS. In October this year, the Department had instructed the board to revert back to its allocated volume in line with its water use license. As a result of the combination of the curtailment, increasing demand and high water losses, the Metro is experiencing water supply challenges,” said Majodina.
Despite the lifting of the restriction, Majodina says the system remains vulnerable and appeals for the communities to work with government in ensuring that water is used sparingly.
Majodina has also expressed dismay at a callous attack on employees that are at work to ensure that residents of eThekwini continue to receive water and called on the law enforcement agencies and the community to work together and bring those responsible to book.
Majodina was referring to a report of an eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit official who was allegedly shot in uMlazi Section F on Sunday, while on duty attending to one of the municipal reservoirs. The official is currently recovering in hospital.
Majodina urged members of the public not to attack public officials when they respond to service delivery issues in communities as they are there to serve them.
The Msunduzi Municipality welcomes the temporary relief provided by the lifting of water curtailment, ensuring adequate water supply for our residents during this festive season, said municipal spokesperson Ntobeko Mkhize. She reminded Msunduzi residents and visitors that cooperating in using water sparingly is essential as we continue our efforts to conserve this vital resource.
“We assure the Msunduzi community that we are hard at work addressing water losses by swiftly attending to infrastructure faults, repairing water leaks, and implementing measures to enhance efficiency. We remind the residents and visitors. Together, we can secure sustainable water provision for our community,” Mkhize said.
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