The Department of Water and Sanitation is deeply disturbed by the protest action which erupted yesterday, 6 July 2020, under the King Cetshwayo District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in water disruptions in many local municipalities.
These disruptions happen at a time when COVID-19 cases are rapidly increasing, and communities should not be left without water. This is a time when people should constantly wash their hands with water and soap to minimise the spread of Coronavirus.
The Department of Water and Sanitation understands that the community protests stem from disagreements between the King Cetshwayo District Municipality and some community members. These community members had their employment terminated when the municipality ended its relationship with a contractor that was rendering water support services to the municipality.
The protests have already resulted in the closure of roads and destruction of property in many local municipalities under the King Cetshwayo District. If allowed to continue, the protests will also pose a threat to the availability of water to strategic industries and communities in Richards Bay.
Mr Ashley Starkey, the Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation in KwaZulu-Natal said the Department’s strategic infrastructure in the area has been affected, which will result in the disruptions of water supply to the communities.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation is concerned that the strategic infrastructure, particularly of the Madungela and Mkhalazi pump stations are affected. These pumps are operated by Mhlathuze Water to supply water to the Goedetrouw Dam and have also been affected by the protests as employees are being blocked from accessing these sites. This poses a threat to the supply of water to industries and surrounding communities.
The Department of Water and Sanitation therefore calls for a speedy resolution to the disagreements so that the supply of water is not hindered any longer than it already has”, said Mr Starkey.
Enquiries:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
