DWS to monitor Gingindlovu water issue

THE NATIONAL Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will communicate with the King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM) regarding the quality of water supplied to residents of Gingindlovu.

This follows numerous reports from residents about to the poor quality of water delivered to them.

Residents previously lambasted KCDM over the discoloured and pungent smelling water which they allege has been a continuous issue for a number of years.

The ZO reported previously on the issue after which KCDM noted that the water had been affected by illegal mining along the Amatikulu River, which supplies the greater Gingindlovu area.

Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Sputnik Ratau, said prior to the ZO’s inquiry his department had not been aware of the issue.

Ratau dismissed the possibility that water could have been affected by Fairbreeze Mine.

‘Fairbreeze mine is very far (more than 20km away) from the Gingindlovu area.

‘Furthermore, the topography of the area is such that Fairbreeze is downstream of the Gingindlovu area.

‘There is therefore 99.9% chance that any potential impacts that may arise as a result of mining at the Fairbreeze mine would not affect the Gingindlovu area.

‘If there is any impact from Fairbreeze it would mostly likely affect the coastal area, and not inland based activities.’

Ratau said going forward DWS will engage with KCDM to get the outcomes of the laboratory analysis.

‘Based on the analysis, the relevant administrative action will be undertaken.

‘It is important to note that the Department was not informed of this challenge.

‘The results loaded on the Integrated Regulation Information System (IRIS) do not reflect any failures associated with acute chemical health, and the acute microbiological compliance is achieved,’ he said.

The objective of the IRIS is to assist DWS Water Services Regulation to more effectively regulate the water services sector in South Africa.