Water woes continue for angry Felixton residents
FELIXTON residents have dismissed claims that their community is receiving full water supply in the mornings and evenings, with water only cut in the day, and demand that the situation be remedied as a matter of urgency.
The community's plight was highlighted in the ZO last week, however water was only restored for one day before they were cut off again as the City of uMhlathuze continues to battle continuous pipe bursts.
Resident Debbie van der Westhuizen said there has been no change in the water situation and residents could not go on like this.
"We are being fed lies regarding the real reason for lack of water and we want answers. There are many single mums, others who are not mobile, and elderly folk, and it is difficult for them having to constantly worry about water," she said.
Simple tasks, such as bathing and washing clothing, were becoming a major challenge. This is because water comes on for 30 minutes or less at a time, often when people aren't at home.
Another resident, Kobus Joubert, reiterated that they received no water in the mornings, and seldom in the evenings, with some houses going without water for days at a time because of their location.
"It is true what they say about the higher areas not receiving water so they need to extend the times so all the residents get" said Joubert.
"We have not had water in our taps for more than two weeks. This is bad as we pay for a service and do not get it. It's been like this for a long time."
Joubert said the water challenge was putting potential investors off investing in the village.
"Other areas strike and block roads if they do not get service delivery - do we need to start doing that to be taken seriously? Nothing is being done to solve our problem," he said.
City of uMhlathuze communications officer Bongani Gina confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that two water tankers were being sent twice a day to Felixton, with messages dispatched via their call centre to notify residents.
"Currently, two high-lift pumps are operational through a 450mm line. A 600mm pipe is to be delivered this evening to commence with the repairs.
"A proposal was made to have installation of JoJo tanks at strategic points at the village and to close all the outlets until the Felixton reservoir is at 40%," he said.