Ladysmith residents at breaking point over months of water cuts

RESIDENTS in Ladysmith are facing financial and emotional strain after enduring months of persistent water cuts, with some areas going without water for up to two weeks each month.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

Community members have accused the uThukela District Municipality of neglect, poor communication, and mismanagement of the crisis.

For residents in Rose Park and Acaciaville, dry taps have become a norm which they claimed was taking a toll on them emotionally and financially.

Terrance Singh, a policeman, from Rose Park, said he had been battling water issues for more than 10 months.

“Presently, we do not have water. It costs me a fortune to fill our JoJo tank. Sometimes we go for over two weeks a month without water.

“We do not even have tankers coming around to supply us with water. We receive free water only from private companies,” he said.

According to Singh, the municipality often offered excuses for the water crisis, but little or no relief.

“The municipality gives us a variety of reasons as to why we have water issues including that the water pipes had been stolen or the dam needed cleaning. It is always an excuse with no help.