Water crisis unites communities

A WEEK after communities stood together during a wave of civil unrest and violence, communities are helping each other again in another crisis. This time for water.

The water woes continued again as taps in parts of ethekwini ran dry.

Some residents of Shallcross, Savanna Park, Klaarwater, Demat and St Wendolins have been without water since July 18 due to a major leak from the Northdene pumps.

Melissa Govender, a Shallcross resident, said it was always a different story, either leaking pipes, reservoir running dry or pumps not working.

“For almost two weeks we have not even seen a water tanker on our street. We are having to get water from the local mosques, garages and family and friends. We have not heard from our ward councillor.

“We have put ourselves at risk of contracting the virus by leaving our homes to source water from friends and relatives, as well as lining up at mosques and other sites that are handing out water to the public,” said Govender.

She said in January they were without water for a week. “This has become frustrating to be kept in limbo.”

Khalid Amod, another Shallcross resident, said their greatest concern was the elderly and sick being without water.

“We have had to source private water tankers to distribute water. Not everyone has transport to go to get water. Some of us have been going to people’s homes to deliver water.

“Five years ago we formed a neighbourhood watch for security reasons but that group has been assisting the community whenever needed. We are even dropping off water outside the door for a family who have Covid,” said Amod.

Amod said he has a borehole on his property.

“I have attached a tap outside the property to allow people to collect water whenever they need,” he said.

He added that the municipality failed the people by not providing a basic necessity.

Mahen Lillkan, chairperson of the Shallcross policing forum, said after getting together more than a week to protect communities, residents have rallied together again.

“This time it’s for the water crisis. All these challenges have brought communities together and made them stronger.

“It is just our city that has let us down again. It is impossible for one

water tanker to serve an entire area.

“In times of crisis there needs to be a plan for more water tankers to go out to affected areas,” said Lillkan, who has put out his Jojo tank for people to collect water.

Mohan Hiralal, chairperson of the Moorton Community Development Forum, said their water supply was restored on Thursday after stopping on Monday.

“The entire infrastructure around Chatsworth has degenerated to such an extent that quick fixes aren’t going to solve it. There needs to be proper maintenance or else we are going to constantly have this problem.

“We have 46 roads in Moorton and by Wednesday there was only one water tanker. Through sponsors and non profit organisations we were able to arrange private trucks to bring in water,” said Hiralal.

Julian Moodley, chairperson of the Crossmoor Civic Association, said most parts of the area were without water since last Saturday.

“Thanks to the efforts of community members and sponsors, we have been able to get water. Like other areas we also did not receive adequate water tankers from the municipality.

“It’s a disaster not having water. How are the elderly and physically challenged supposed to get water? The city needs to have a plan to remedy the ageing infrastructure,” said Moodley.

In a statement from the city earlier this week, they said it was brought to their attention that water tankers were not consistent in certain areas.

“As a result, it is moving with speed to ensure that all residents have access to clean water adequately. The public is urged to constantly alert the city in the event of shortcomings in its temporary water relief measure.”

ethekwini Municipality spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, on Friday said they were pleased to inform residents that were experiencing water shortages due to a leaking pipe, that repairs had been completed.

“Water pumps have started to run to both Shallcross and Chatsworth 4 reservoirs. Most parts of Shallcross have already started to receive water. Ethekwini continues to build capacity to other reservoirs and the public is urged to remain patient,” said Mayisela.

Nicole Graham, DA ethekwini caucus leader, said the infrastructural maintenance was very poor meaning that the same areas experience the same problem time and time again.

“It’s been in parts of Chatsworth, further south, parts of Verulam and Tongaat. Until those issues are fixed there are going to be repeated problems.

“With regard to this specific issue it was clear from Friday last week that there was a problem and the city only appointed a contractor on Monday which made things severely worse.

“The tanker capacity of the city and the way the tankers work is a big problem. Councillors are left to queue for tankers and fight for tankers for their wards which is far from ideal,” said Graham.

She said there was a need for an overhaul of the city’s infrastructure.

"There needs to be a proper system of auxiliary services which includes tankers that actually deal with relief when problems happen.

“If you don’t put the money and do the maintenance properly this is what’s going to happen all over the city," said Graham.