'We can't do anything' - Tongaat residents up in arms over water

Locals who haven't had running water for more than seven weeks blocked access to Tongaat's entry points in protest on Wednesday. 

The oThongathi Water Treatment Plant, which supplies the northern Durban community, was destroyed during the April floods.

An emergency pipeline was installed from the Nyaninga Reservoir to oThongathi South to provide around four hours’ worth of tap water each day. 

Councillor Dolly Muniun says she's done everything in her power to help. 

"For example, I'm getting six water tankers from the municipality, but I got 115 Jojo tanks to fill which I top up every day.

"Those roads that don't have water, we try our best to give them water. With the six tankers I have, I try to cover my Jojos including schools."

But Tongaat residents say it's little comfort for those who've been left high and dry for 52 days.

"My sister was in hospital for a month. When she came home it was bad at home," one resident says.

"It's so difficult for her to pour water, boil water. Senior citizens have fallen carrying water and its so dangerous."

 READ: Tongaat residents 'should have water by tomorrow'

Another man says they can't do anything.

"We can't eat, we can't bath or go to the toilets because our toilets are messed up."

eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda is expected to introduce the contractor to the community on Thursday.

The contractor will rebuild the oThongathi Water Treatment Plant.