Residents across the uThukela District Municipality are facing a concern about the safety of their drinking water.
The municipality has had their water quality testing laboratory closed due to an alleged unsettled amount of R2.2 million in outstanding rent.
The laboratory’s shutdown has sparked fear and concern that water quality is no longer adequately monitored, potentially exposing residents to drinking contaminated water.
Resident of Ezakheni in uMnabithi, formerly known as Ladysmith, Zandile Mbokazi said: “We have been experiencing low to no water in our taps due to ongoing cuts; sometimes the water comes out dirty, and not good for consumption.”
Mbokazi continued, "When the municipality decided to send water tankers, we noticed that the water was dirty, and occasionally I am not home to make sure my kids don't drink that water before boiling; I am worried that my kids can get sick.”
IOL reached out to uThukela Municipality spokesperson, Siyabonga Masoka who confirmed that the laboratory was closed.
“The closure of the laboratory in Murchison Street is not a sign of a financial crisis but rather part of a bold and strategic decision to drastically reduce municipal spending on rental properties.
"The municipality assures residents that water supplied across the district is safe for human consumption,” he said.
Masoka did not indicate how the authority was able to test its potable water before providing it to residents.
The absence of a functional water testing facility raises serious questions about the municipality's ability to ensure the safety of its water supply. This situation has created a climate of anxiety within the communities that rely on the municipality for their water supply.
Meanwhile, South African municipalities are struggling to pay off their skyrocketing water debt of R23.7 billion, and the R46.7 billion budgeted for infrastructure allocated by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana appears to be insufficient for assisting the municipalities.
During the Water Services Authority Summit that took place in January, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, said that “municipalities failing to provide communities with quality drinking water will pay the ultimate price."
The Green Drop and Blue Drop released a statement in 2024 that South Africa is facing a crisis of clean water, with 46% of drinking water systems not meeting microbiological standards. It said 67.6% of wastewater treatment works are failing, and 47.4% of water is lost or unaccounted for.
They accused the municipalities and political parties in charge of a lack of transparency over water quality, with 57% of municipalities not informing users of compromised water quality. A total of 30% of municipalities scored less than 10% in Green Drop and Blue Drop assessments.
IOL