Minister Mchunu assures Othongathi, Phoenix and Verulam communities that water supply challenges are receiving necessary attention
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu is aware of the water supply challenges that are being experienced by the communities of Othongathi, Phoenix and Verulam in the City of Ethekwini, in KwaZulu-Natal, and has continuously been engaging the municipality to find permanent solutions that will ensure that water is fully restored, and residents have reliable supply.
“For some time as Water and Sanitation, we have been aware of the water challenges in the areas of Othongathi, Phoenix and Verulam and we have been engaging with eThekwini to urgently find solutions to address the situation. We are however deeply concerned that the heavy rainstorms that are continuously battering parts of the province and cause massive damage to infrastructure, including that of water, have exacerbated the situation.
“eThekwini Metro is a Water Services Authority, mandated by the Constitution and designated to provide water services to its residents and we trust they should live up to their responsibility. We urge the municipality to act with urgency and decisively, even if it means they must work day and night, to resolve the matter and ensure that services are fully restored to the communities affected,” said Minister Mchunu.
Minister Mchunu says the Department of Water and Sanitation together with uMngeni-uThukela Water are currently on stand-by to respond and assist on urgent basis. “As we speak, engineers and technicians from uMngeni- uThukeni together with eThekwini are working on site to identify and repair broken water infrastructure damaged by the recent floods. This process will continue until water is restored in all areas affected as a result of heavy rains.
“Being without water is a sensitive and emotional issue and we understand the anger and frustration. We apologise for the inconvenience and have instructed those dealing with work to do so with urgency the matter requires,” Minister Mchunu concludes.
For more information, contact
Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 060 561 8935
E-mail: mavasaw@dws.gov.za
Kamogelo Mogotsi, Spokesperson for the Ministry
Cell: 076 523 0085
