Huge demand for water stretches local distributors thin
Some of the volunteers helping to collect and distribute water to residents in the southern parts of Durban who are without the resource say they can't keep up with demand.
Activists, businesses and residents have come to the aid of those living in areas such as Shallcross, Harinager, Chatsworth, Klaarwater and Birch Road that haven't had had water for nearly a week.
eThekwini Municipality says several pumps at the Northdene pump station have failed resulting in no water being pumped to all downstream reservoirs.
It says repair work could take close to a month.
Moorton resident, Sham Dhanpaul is part of the water distribution efforts.
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"I don't think we will keep it up for that long because businesses have come on board, and they can only support us to a certain extent.
He says they have a line of people standing and already waiting for water, "We have to share the water with the community and at the same time decant for the COVID-19 patients," he says.
"At least the patients that are isolated at home got a bit of water from us because we had volunteers driving around in their own vehicles and their own costs."
DA eThekwini Caucus leader, Nicole Graham says she has received word the City is working to get at least a single functioning after one it was loaned by Umgeni water didn't fit.
"They are preparing the electronics to reconnect at Northdene three. Hopefully, the final modifications work, the pump station should be back online today."
