Readers asked Talk of the Town about water, sewage and other serious issues. Here, we share the responses from Ndlambe Municipality via spokesperson Cecil Mbolekwa

Q: Residents have queried the “water availability” charge billed in their rates, when they haven’t had water – some for months. Can you explain what this charge is for?

A

: There is no extra charge: residents are charged for infrastructure that has been installed.

Q: What is the plan for the leaking sewage pump station in Station Hill and what is the timeline? Also, in general, what is the plan to prevent sewage spills and secure pump stations against vandalism?

A: We are currently busy working on all our sewage pump stations and there is a service provider responsible for repairing our pumps. This is continuous work, so it’s difficult to give timelines.

Part of the infrastructure directorate’s detailed festive season plan is the issue of the security of all our pump stations.

Q: In Talk of the Town’s October 20 edition, we reported that the municipality was taking water samples at the Kowie weir for testing, after concerns raised about possible contamination from Makana’s wastewater treatment works upstream. What are the results of those tests, and the implications?

A: Our concern is assuring the safety of Port Alfred’s water supply.

Once we have seen the test results and given our own analysis, we will share them.

Q: What is the update on QFS and the status of its operations (has it resumed operations yet after being paid)?

A: There is a special council meeting on [Tuesday] to discuss the QFS issue. We will update you thereof.

Q: Given the ongoing water outages, what are the plans to ensure supply when festive season visitors arrive in town?

A: As the municipality, we want to give the public the confidence that we will do all in our power to make sure we deliver water to all residents.