Durban water pipe lines contaminated with sewage

MUSGRAVE residents in Durban are concerned about their health after their water pipe lines were contaminated with sewer water when adjacent pipe-lines were damaged.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

eThekwini ward 31 councillor Remona Mckenzie said that on April 25, the burst water pipe occurred in the Musgrave area and while plumbers were excavating the road to expose the pipe, they accidentally struck a sewer pipeline adjacent to it.

Mckenzie said this allowed sewage to enter the water network.

Mckenzie said the city was informed and then issued a formal boil water alert on May 1, which she believes was far too late.

McKenzie said residents raised urgent concerns about a foul smell in their tap water and washing machines.

Residents of Vause Road, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were waiting for the eThekwini Municipality to inform them if it was safe to drink the water.

eThekwini municipality spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, yesterday said the water was safe to drink, after quality checks were conducted.

One of the residents said she had the washing machine on when the colour of the water turned brown.