Kaunda: City struggling to solve ‘unprecedented’ water problems in Durban north
eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has acknowledged the city is struggling to pinpoint the cause of the water supply issues in Umhlanga, north of Durban.
He says engineers are assessing the northern aqueduct line, bit by bit, to get to the bottom of the days-long water outage in Durban's northern parts.
"Our teams are on the ground because there seems to be a big challenge. It has never happened. So, we need to check each and every valve that supplies these areas. Our teams have started the process. They have checked more than 20 because they want to ascertain what is the real problem."
The mayor says he understands the frustration of residents, who have not had a drop of the precious resource for four days.
He outlined the affected areas.
"Redhill, Durban North, Beachway, Umgeni Park, Athlone, Japanese Gardens, and Riverside. Also, areas like; Virginia 1 and 2, Glen Anil, Glen Hill, Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Parts of Umgeni Park, Blackburn Road, Parkhill, and other areas around the northern area - La Lucia, Somerset Park and La Lucia Ridge."
READ: Parts of northern Durban without water
Kaunda says it's an unprecedented challenge.
"We have never experienced such a challenge, but we want to commit to our residents that we are leaving no stone unturned until we reinstate water. We will be working with the councillors in these areas where there is still a challenge of water tankers.
"We have to reinforce by ensuring that we add more water tankers to service communities. We wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this."
Local Sunningdale resident Neena Troskie says it's been a battle for her family.
"It has been very frustrating not having any water coming through our taps and for toilet purposes. Having to walk every now and again to the pool to get some water. The water updates - there has been nothing.
"We have been receiving communications stating they are looking into it, but there has been no communication whatsoever. It is not great having to limit bathroom breaks and our household has got the flu - not being able to wash your hands after every sneeze."
