MAY marks the beginning of Africa Month and the celebration of the establishment of the Organisation of Africa Unity in 1963, which is a precursor to the African Union. While we move towards celebrating our “africanacity”, we can’t ignore the fact that we are still facing the mammoth task of rebuilding damaged infrastructure which was destroyed in the recent floods. 

Thousands of residents are still displaced after their homes were destroyed while some communities remain without basic services such as electricity and water. I am happy to report that we have been able to return the situation to normalcy in most areas which were adversely affected by the recent floods. However, we acknowledge the frustration of oThongathi residents due to the interrupted water supply in the area. This was caused by damage to the water treatment works during the floods, which subsequently impacted water supply in the area. As part of the short-term plan, oThongathi residents will continue to receive water through water tankers. Included in the short-term plan is the installation of static tanks and the usage of boreholes. 

The medium-term solutions include exploring the viability and timelines of reviving the Umvoti Works. Discussions are currently underway with the iLembe District to confirm the possibility of this alternative. Options of the City using Siza water boreholes to redirect water from Hazelmere to oThongathi are also being discussed. Processes to start rebuilding the oThongathi Water Treatment Works are currently underway. Due to the extent of the damage and the fact that the restoration of the treatment works will require a full upgrade, the project is expected to take six months. Our teams are also working to restore water supply in some areas in the south region. The interruption was due to major damage of the 1000mm pipe between Northdene and Chatsworth in Burlington.

This unfortunate incident has resulted in low water levels in uMlazi reservoirs. Due to the damage, the system is unable to convey enough water to these reservoirs which compromises the production and supply of water. This means that some areas in the south of eThekwini will experience a shortage of water supply. Affected areas include uMlazi H, G, N, W, C, AA, BB, CC Z, Y and X sections as well as Ensimbini and Folweni. Water tankers have been dispatched to respond to affected areas and we appeal to residents to use water sparingly. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and urge the public to be patient as we work to restore the water supply.