Durban — On the same day that the eThekwini Municipality urged communities to work with the City to clamp down on theft and vandalism of municipal infrastructure, water restrictions had to be implemented at the oThongathi Water Treatment Works due to vandalism on Tuesday night.
In a public notice on Wednesday, the municipality said it was aware of water restrictions in areas supplied by oThongathi Water Treatment Works.
“This is due to vandalism on the raw water inlet (pipeline) last night, July 23,” the municipality said.
“The treatment works is currently experiencing a drastic reduction in raw water inflows. This has resulted in reduced pumping of water to reservoirs.”
The municipality added that the team is assessing the damage to undertake repairs.
Affected areas include:
- Belvedere Reservoir: Raj Kumar's Farm, Belvedere, Flamingo Heights, Watsonia, Belgate township, Gwala’s Farm and informal area.
- Tongaat South Reservoir and Tongaat South Elevated Tower: Watsonia, Buffelsdale, Mithanager, Trurolands, Gandhinagar, Chelmsford Heights and a small section of the Tongaat CBD.
- Metcalf Reservoir: Metcalf, Ghandi Hill, Tongaat Central, Plein Street, Watson Highway, Brake Village and Tongaat CBD.
- Emona Reservoir: Emona township, Vanrova and Gandhi's Hill.
- Hambanathi Reservoir: Hambanathi township.
- Jan Roz Reservoir: Wewe, Maidstone, Fairbreeze, Sandfields, Pringle, Nordberg Road and Magwaveni.
- Burbreeze Reservoir: Sandfields residential area, Maidstone, Culls Farm and Burlane.
- Mamba Ridge Reservoir: Amanzimnyama Tongaat Hulett offices and Walter Reid Road.
“The public is urged to work with the City to clamp down on the theft and vandalism of municipal infrastructure as this is impeding service delivery,” the municipality said.
The municipality apologised for any inconvenience caused.
For more information regarding water supply, the public can download eThekwini Municipality’s mobile app to log faults or send a WhatsApp to 073 1483 477. Alternatively, call the toll-free number 080 311 1111 or email Eservices@durban.gov.za.
In a statement on Tuesday, the municipality said that over the weekend, infrastructure at several water and sanitation facilities was stolen or vandalised. Copper cables, vehicle batteries, and other items were stolen.
The municipality said theft and vandalism cost the City to restore or replace the damaged infrastructure and to deploy security to safeguard the infrastructure.
Some of the facilities have security, however, the City urged the public to be its eyes and ears on the ground to ensure that operations are not interrupted due to theft or vandalism.
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Daily News