The lack of water supply to the Phoenix area may have led to the delay in extinguishing the blaze that engulfed a Brookdale home on Wednesday, 21 August, which has caused a further outcry from the community experiencing intermittent water cuts.
The Brookdale home was left extensively damaged as the water supply had been cut off in the area when the incident happened. A member of the community, who wished to remain anonymous, said due to the area not having water for several days all attempts to try and put the fire out were fruitless.
“As a community, we were unable to assist our neighbours during their time of need as there was no water in our taps. We are thankful that no one was hurt during this fire, however, due to the fire the house has become extremely damaged,” said the resident.
The swift action of the eThekwini Fire Department and private security services resulted in the extinguishing of a fire at a Brookdale house that caught alight due to a suspected electrical fault. Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZN VIP said they received reports from the scene that indicated a house was on fire which is believed to have started through a possible electrical fault.
He said: “Luckily the homeowners managed to escape unharmed. The fire was extinguished through slight difficulty due to wind speeds picking up but our Fire Department has prevented it from spreading. All emergency services were in attendance.”
Bruce de Gier, eThekwini Fire Department Divison Commander, said: “Upon arrival, firefighters found a formal dwelling well alight. The fire had gone through the roof. There were no injuries or persons reported. According to the occupants, the electricity meter box exploded causing the fire.”
He added that the members were able to extinguish the fire, however, there was no water supply in the area. The Phoenix and surrounding townships in the north of eThekwini have been experiencing water shortages due to supply issues concerning Reservoir 4, the highest reservoir in Phoenix, which fills last due to gravity and pressure.
Gugu Sisilana, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, said demand in northern parts of the city, including Phoenix, far exceeds available water.
She said: “Some parts of Phoenix are on a high-level area which is worst affected when there is a reduction in water supply from the city’s bulk water supplier uMngeni-uThukela Water.”
The municipality appealed to residents in the affected areas to reduce their water consumption as water levels have dropped.
“We urge all residents to take the following steps to conserve water: limit shower times, fix leaks promptly, use water-efficient appliances, turn off taps, and limit car washing. Cooperation from residents is vital to ensure that we can maintain an adequate water supply for everyone. Every small action of conserving water makes a significant difference,” said Sisilana.
Speaking on the water issues within the province, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cllr Cyril Xaba, said while there is general improvement in service delivery in many areas of the municipality, the provision of reliable water supply remains a challenge.
He said: “Although we understand that one of the major contributing factors to this challenge is the fact that the demand for water in the city far exceeds supply, we have a constitutional obligation to ensure that people have access to some water. It is for this reason that, going forward, I will be convening weekly meetings with relevant stakeholders that will focus solely on water provision in the city. Furthermore, we will be conducting site inspections to all water and sanitation projects that are currently underway including the southern and northern aqueducts, Ntuzuma Pump Station, Adams (Reservoir 5 and 6). The two aqueducts are critical in the provision of water supply in uMlazi, Inanda, Phoenix, Chatsworth, KwaMakhutha and Folweni areas.”
Residents are urged to report the interruption of water supply to eThekwini Water and Sanitation WhatsApp number 073 148 3477 or call the toll-free number 080 311 1111. Alternatively email: Eservices@durban.gov.za.
