Ward 48 Councillor Michelle Lutchmen, has lashed out at the eThekwini Municipality Water and Sanitation Department after the residents of Cardinal Road were left without water for 36 hours, due to a burst pipe that was allegedly left unattended recently.
Cllr Lutchmen, who responded to the urgent requests made by residents, said she contacted the senior management within the water department to ascertain the reasons why the burst pipe was left unfixed, despite a plumber coming to the site.
She said: “The plumbers that were on site had abandoned the repairs and did not inform anyone. As the ward councillor, I made it my duty to arrange water tankers to assist the residents. The water crisis in eThekwini has grown out of control and sadly the municipality is failing dismally to restore normality to the situation. The Water Department is in complete disarray. There is a lack of coordination and communication and as a result, the residents are left to suffer.”
Cllr Lutchmen said the negligence was shown by the plumbers who left the site exposed, without completing the work or restoring water to the community. A resident from the area, Mr Reddy, thanked the councillor for her efficient service delivery in getting plumbers out to restore the water supply and repair the damages that were neglected. He said: “We are grateful for her assistance especially in getting water tankers out to service the affected roads.”
To report water leaks or a burst pipe, contact the municipal call centre on 080 311 1111 or email eservices@durban.gov.za, or WhatsApp 073 148 3477. You will then receive a reference number, which can be given to your councillor to escalate the matter.
