By: Natasha Archary
KwaZulu-Natal residents desperate to receive clean water have reportedly held an eThekwini water tanker at gunpoint over the weekend.
This after the devastating floods in the province over 12 days ago damaged water pipes in various areas, leaving people without running water.
On Saturday, 23 April, the municipality implemented water restrictions over parts of KZN, including Verulam, Tongaat, Isipingo and inner western regions.
According to reports, residents from Isipingo held the eThekwini water tanker driver at gunpoint, instructing him which areas to deliver water.
The municipality says a 36-year old female municipality employee was shot and killed.
Multiple bullet casings were found near the woman’s body, on Old Main Road in Ottawa, KZN outside the Water and Sanitation – Roads and Stormwater Maintenance Depot.
The employee was responsible for controlling water tankers which the municipality says have been consistent in delivering water to residents affected by a lack of water.
In an update by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchuno, the estimated cost for repairs is over R1 billion.
A temporary pipeline has been laid to restore water to areas such as Prospecton, uMlazi and Isipingo.
There is significant damage to the wastewater treatment plants and sanitation infrastructure which resulted in sewerage pollution.
The municipality says its deployed 186 water tankers, with repairs already underway at its Waterfall reservoir.
However, residents say they have not seen a water tanker in many residential areas, having to rely on community activists and volunteers who have stepped in to distribute water.
Irate residents were left fuming when KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala, had a water tanker delivered to his home.
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