Water shortages affect small businesses

FOOD outlets, hairdressers, launderettes and car washes have been greatly impacted by recent water cuts, which affected thousands of households across the region.

With these businesses mostly dependent on water for operations, water restrictions or supply interruptions had an impact on their revenue.

Businesses in Mzingazi, Elanjeni, Nzalabantu and Mbonambi were hit hard and are still dealing with the repercussions after having had no water supply for over three weeks.

In eMadlankala, eSikhaleni and Port Durnford, residents and businesses were without water for a week.

‘I had to close my beauty salon for over a week because I couldn’t assist any of my clients. I lost thousands of rands in revenue,’ said eSikhaleni hairdresser, Mbali Sibiya.

A business owner from Mbonambi who preferred not to be named, told the ZO she had been experiencing water problems since December.

‘There were numerous days where we were left without any water for days at a time.

‘The situation improved for a few days and then all of a sudden our water was cut off from 5pm to 6am daily, and water we do get during the day is brown, almost as if it is pumped to us directly from the Nseleni river,’ she explained.

According to car wash owner Sithembiso Ndlovu, businesses have vocalised their concerns regarding the lack of water, but nothing has been done.

‘I depend on water for my business and without the revenue, my children go hungry. It’s been hard and I’m still trying to get back to normal,’ said Ndlovu.

The lack of water supply also affected agriculture.

‘Access to water has a major impact on food security. Without enough water, the ability to grow enough food is jeopardised,’ said small farmer Mthandeni Mabaso.

Even though water supply has been restored in most areas, businesses say municipalities should have a strategy in place to avoid any future incidents.