Over 100 people from Ward 105 on the south coast of Durban picketed outside the city hall on Thursday, demanding tap water. Photo: Tsoanelo Sefoloko
Standpipes in ward 105 have been dry since 2016
By Tsoanelo Sefoloko – IN SUMMARY:
- Protest for water: Over 100 people from ward 105 in Durban protested outside city hall, demanding tap water and the resignation of their councilor.
- Water shortage for 8 years: 5,000 households in ward 105 have been without tap water for eight years.
- Failed official avenues: The community tried all official channels and sought help from the Right2Know Campaign in April.
- Right2Know support: Yolanda Yalezo from Right2Know said, “We were their last resort.”
- Protest challenges: Organizing the protest was difficult due to the cost of transport from the rural ward, said community leader Sikhumbuso Cele.
- Memo submission: Mayor’s office representative Mlulama Ngcobo accepted the protest memo and promised to hand it “over to the relevant office.”
- High cost of water infrastructure repair: The head of water and sanitation, Ednick Msweli, estimated the cost of fixing the infrastructure at R44-billion.
- Water tankers as a temporary solution: Msweli said, “you are still going to have them for a while” until repairs are completed.
- Water curtailment from October 10: The eThekwini Municipality announced water restrictions starting October 10 due to limited water extraction from the Mgeni water supply system.
- Reason for water limits: Mayor Cyril Xaba explained, “This is to enable continued water availability, including during periods of below-average rainfall.”Stable water supply with limits: Xaba added, “If UUW implements the gradual reduction as planned, the water supply should remain stable, even with below-average rainfall.”
