Taps run dry as KZN council’s R2m water bill hits flats

HOWICK residents who live in council-owned flats have been without water for more than three weeks because the uMngeni Municipality failed to settle its R2 million outstanding water bill.

It is believed the dispute, that led to the mains being closed, was due to uMngeni owing uMgungundlovu District Municipality more than R2m.

Lennox Mabaso, the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson, said a meeting was held between the leadership of the two municipalities yesterday at which they agreed to a payment plan.

“uMngeni received an invoice for R2.4m and uMngeni has agreed to pay a connection fee of R174 000 for the water to be restored as soon as possible,” he said.

Ward councillor Janis Holmes said the water cuts had affected at least 40 families living in the Greys and Allemans courts in Howick. Some of the residents living in the flats were indigent and not required to pay for utilities.

“We have been concerned about the state of affairs and have requested that financial statements be sent to us for council meetings. This is so we know how much is being spent on water and to raise issues in advance. Council members are being kept in the dark,” she said.

Holmes said a local farmer had come to the rescue of residents in the meantime. “He brings a JoJo tank so that residents are able to get some water at least,” Holmes said.

A 64-year-old resident, who asked not to be named, said it was the second time they had been left without water.

“My wife and I have lived here for 12 years and last year, our water was cut. Last year, we had to buy a smaller geyser so we use less water. The geyser cost us R380. We also have to buy water for R150 from the shop across the road. We use this as drinking water and to make our tea. We are grateful for the water from the farmer and we use that to bath and do other household stuff,” he said.

The resident said the issue was concerning as there were pregnant women and elderly residents who had to walk up and down the steps to fetch water.

According to Mabaso they would be closely monitoring the situation.

“We are going to impress upon them that they should iron their issues out before resorting to cutting off the water,” Mabaso said.