Frustrated ratepayers applaud minister's intervention

ETHEKWINI ratepayers and residents associations have roundly lauded the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, for taking a firm stance against corruption and poor service delivery in municipalities across KwaZulu-Natal, including the embattled eThekwini.

- LUNGANI ZUNGU

With water supply issues becoming an day-to-day issue in many parts of Durban, residents were demanding solutions and an end to what they described as a legacy of mismanagement and exploitation.

Ish Praladh, chairperson of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association, expressed the frustration of many communities.

"The issue of water must be resolved speedily. Many communities are struggling daily. All we want is a permanent, reliable supply of water. People are tired of empty promises," said Praladh.

Mahlobo highlighted the same concerns during the official handover of the first phase of the Machibini water scheme in Jozini, under the uMkhanyakude District on Wednesday.

He criticised the growing reliance on private water tanker tenders, particularly in municipalities like eThekwini and uThukela, saying that they have become a breeding ground for corruption.

"We are worried about the tenderising of water tanks. It has caused many problems in communities."