Durban — An estimated R28 billion has been invested in the construction of the upper Umkhomazi Dam, which will be completed by 2032, in efforts to address the eThekwini Municipality’s water crisis.
Mayor Cyril Xaba, together with council speaker Thabani Nyawose, addressed ratepayer associations, providing feedback on service delivery issues. It was also an opportunity for Xaba to introduce himself to the associations.
The previous meeting was in April and among the issues raised were billing system discrepancies as a result of unread meters; delays in issuing rate clearance certificates; beach water quality; intermittent water supply, particularly in the northern areas; the performance of the municipal contact centre; ensuring there are functioning street lights.
“We have an obligation to listen to our ratepayers because we want them to be happy customers. Together, we can make this city work, not only for us but also for future generations. We are on this ship together,” Xaba said.
Regarding water supply, Xaba said the City was currently experiencing a challenge where demand for water exceeded supply. The City was implementing interventions for reliable water supply including the reduction of non-revenue water by fixing leaks, removing illegal connections and the installation of water meters.
Xaba said to meet increasing water demand, the municipality in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation and uMngeni-uThukela Water, had begun with the construction of the upper Umkhomazi Dam.
To address water quality issues at some city beaches, the municipality was collaborating with uMngeni-uThukela Water to repair and upgrade 10 wastewater treatment works which handle 90% of sewage in eThekwini, he said. As for the billing issue, Xaba said that by the end of November, the municipality would be issuing user-friendly new format monthly bills. Ratepayers were urged to download the Municipal App where they could upload their meter readings, report faults and access their monthly bills.
To ensure that street lights are functioning, the City has embarked on an intensive programme to repair close to 20 000 streetlights. The City is also working closely with community crime-fighting structures to curb the theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
Xaba said the metro was recruiting more police officers to reclaim the streets from criminals.
“Consequence management will be applied when people fail to do their work. Our expenditure must be frugal to ensure that there is value for money in everything we do,” Xaba said.
Bluff Ratepayers and Residents Association chairperson Norman Gilbert said he was optimistic about the City’s intentions.
“The mayor acknowledged that addressing key areas, improvements, and collaboration with ratepayers is crucial for the City’s prosperity. Time will tell.”
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Daily News