The arrival of Thekwini’s new fleet of water tankers, at a cost of R132.8 million, has been met with mixed reactions from members of the public with some Tongaat and Verulam residents arguing that the money could have been spent elsewhere or used to repair the ageing infrastructure and leaking water pipes.
According to eThekwini, the fleet of 55 water tankers and 30 tractors was acquired in response to the ongoing water crisis within the municipality. “The trucks have been procured with the purpose of increasing water supply in the city and the availability of the tractors will increase productivity in the city,” the City said.
The chairperson of the Tongaat Civic Association Don Perumal said: “The money could have been better spent on repairing water pipes and ageing infrastructure in Tongaat. The procurement of the trucks is not going to make any difference to the lives of Tongaat communities. At the moment it is very difficult to get a water tanker to deliver to communities. The challenges that we are currently facing in Tongaat are nothing new, but an old issue that we have been experiencing.”
His sentiments were shared by Tongaat ward councillor Dolly Munien who said: “I keep receiving calls from frustrated residents complaining about water cuts in Tongaat. The municipality purchased new water tankers, sadly people are still struggling to have access to clean water.”
At the unveiling and handing over of the new fleet to line departments, the eThekwini mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the acquisition of water tankers is aimed at ensuring that residents receive water during supply interruptions.
He said: “We are pleased that communities, hardest hit by the disruption of water, will have relief knowing that we have increased our capacity to supply them with safe and drinkable water. At a cost of R132.8 million, the impact of the new 13 000 litre water tankers will benefit residents.”
Regarding the new fleet of tractors, Mayor Kaunda said it will assist in the maintenance of public spaces and recreational facilities. “The new fleet cost R23.2 million and will improve the Municipality’s ability to maintain public spaces like parks and sport fields. We want to assure residents that we will continue to bolster our capacity by spending our financial resources wisely on items that benefit residents. As we increase our capacity and continue to invest in tools for employees to work, we will see improved quality of services where there have been gaps,” he added.
