Despite the establishment of a war room by the Verulam Water Crisis Committee (VWCC) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over a year ago, the water crisis in eThekwini Municipality remains unresolved. Residents in areas such as Ntuzuma, Verulam, and Tongaat continue to suffer from prolonged water shortages.
The SAHRC has expressed grave concern over the municipality’s failure to meet its own deadlines and provide a reliable water supply. Frustrations boiled over recently as residents of Verulam took to the streets in protest, blockading the road with burning tyres and chanting “we want water.”
Communications Spokesperson and Liaison for the VWCC, Roshan Lil-Ruthan, stated: “The continued neglect of eThekwini’s residents is a gross violation of their basic human rights. People are forced to rely on water tankers, which are often insufficient, leading to significant inconvenience and hardship.”
Lil-Ruthan also raised concerns about the quality of the water when it is available, citing reports of contaminated water that pose serious health risks: “We are not just talking about a lack of water. When water is available, its quality is often substandard, posing health risks to the community.”
The VWCC is calling for immediate and effective action from the eThekwini Municipality, including transparent communication, accountability, and a genuine commitment to providing essential services.
“The municipality must prioritise the well-being of its residents and ensure that no one is left without access to clean water,” said Lil-Ruthan.
The VWCC has requested a detailed breakdown of the curtailment upliftment and its impact, as well as proof of where the water was distributed. They also seek an update on the status of generator installations for Mt View and Tp1 and Tp3 reservoirs.
Lil-Ruthan concluded, “The leadership of eThekwini must address these concerns and provide a comprehensive plan of action. Residents deserve to know what steps are being taken to resolve this crisis.”
The eThekwini Municipality was contacted for comment but none was received at the time of print.
