The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has called for drastic measures as taps run dry at hospitals within the province’s, which include RK Khan, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Prince Mshiyeni Memorial and Victoria Mxenge hospitals (formerly King Edward VIII Hospital)

“Recent reports that there is little to no water at some of KZN’s largest hospitals are extremely disturbing. These hospitals cater to thousands of KZN residents – and are literally left to run dry.

“Water is vital within our hospitals. The fact that it is not readily available for human consumption has left patients and staff suffering and is a violation of the most basic of human rights. Water is also critical in terms of infection control. This includes scrubbing before performing operations, during the delivery of babies and for the sterilisation of surgical instruments, to name just a few,” said Dr Imran Keeka, MPL and DA KZN spokesperson on health.

He said the situation could lead to severe health hazards.

A lack of water, he said, posed problems to the cleaning of facilities, flushing of toilets and washing hands.

“The reality is that eThekwini hospitals without water are a ticking time-bomb about to be set off. This disastrous state of affairs cannot continue and Mayor Cyril Xaba and city manager Musa Mbhele must act now or they will have blood on their hands.

"In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke about the challenges facing eThekwini in a manner which suggests that he is not fully aware of the situation on the ground.

“The DA has invited him to see for himself an invitation that must now be extended to eThekwini’s hospitals, so that he can witness the true extent of the crisis. We will work swiftly to find a slot for KZN’s health portfolio committee to visit Prince Mshiyeni Memorial as the situation there continues to deteriorate.

"We will also continue to engage with our eThekwini public representatives in a bid to prevent further suffering. We remain fully committed to holding eThekwini’s so-called leadership to account,” Keeka said.

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