Budget constraints hinder water supply in the uThukela District

The uThukela District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has cited budget constraints as the reason for its failure to provide water to residents.

Thousands of residents in rural areas and townships in Ladysmith say they still lack access to clean water, with some relying on streams and rivers used by livestock. Some claim they have been without water for more than 60 years.

Municipal Mayor Chief Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala says vandalism of infrastructure remains a challenge.

“Vandalism is ongoing. We’ve even decided to increase the number of security guards in our pump stations and water treatment plants. It’s only that we don’t have enough money to pay for those security personnel because the core function of Uthukela is to provide water, not to hire security companies,” says Shabalala.

“But the situation has compelled us to divert from our route of giving people clean water and to hire these personnel to look after the infrastructure we have. That’s the major thing that is dragging back the municipality,” notes Shabalala.