City clarifies Cubhu water delivery restrictions

GENERATORS installed at the Cubhu water treatment plant following a recent fire incident are temporary measures to resume supply to residents, the City of uMhlathuze said.

However, according to the city, the generators have less power, which automatically slows down the process of pumping water to reservoirs, resulting in supply interruptions.

“A transformer has been ordered and the system will be back to normal, but residents will experience some restrictions at certain times to ensure we are able to fill the reservoirs,” said uMhlathuze communications manager Bongani Gina.

The fire, which occurred last Sunday, gutted the electrical part of the plant.

As a result, thousands of households from eSikhaleni suburbs, Vulindlela, Felixton, Madlankala, Gobandlovu, and Mkhwanazi North and South were left without water.

For over a week, residents relied on streams and ponds, and as much as the city dispensed water tankers, they could not cope with the load.

However, as the city continues to count the cost and repairs damages caused by the blaze, it aims to provide a smooth water supply for eSikhaleni cluster by December.

When the fire occurred, the city was already working on replacing the piping system to ensure a reliable water supply for affected communities.

For years, the system has been untrustworthy and fraught with regular pipe bursts, which led to major water interruptions.

“This delay has not hindered our plan to ensure a great Christmas for residents, where water will available 24 hours a day. Better days are coming,” explained Gina.

He also pleaded with residents to ignore fake news.

"Our Facebook and SMS systems are there to inform residents of what is happening around the city. We will continue to engage with residents on these platforms to ensure they are not left out on developments affecting them,' said Gina.