Water Crisis Worsens in Inanda Township as Residents Endure Year-Long Outage

 Water  Crisis Worsens in Inanda Township as Residents Endure Year-Long Outage 

By Nothando Mhlongo 

 

 


Residents of ward 54 in Inanda have been without running water for a year. The greatest water outage in the area’s history has left the community struggling for survival , with no end in sight. 

In 2022, April floods wreaked havoc and disrupted water supply in several areas of KwaZulu-Natal, including  ward 54. In response, Ethekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda implemented water shedding, rotating the water supply and working to repair the damaged infrastructure. However, despite these efforts, the township is now facing its "day zero" moment, leaving residents in desperate need of water.

 

The waterless township has tried to endure the greatest water shortage to ever hit , but with no end in sight, hope is lost. Nhlakanipho Zulu, a 26-year-old resident of Inanda , last saw taps with running water in April last year. He stated that he   and his fellow  community are forced to endure unbearable living conditions. “ we have lived without water for a year , but I wake up everyday sadder by the reality, “ he said.  Zulu further recounted the difficult choices that he has to make on a daily basis, such as choosing between cooking or bathing , as he sometimes do not have water to do both.

 


Picture : unwashed clothes that have remained outside for months 


The empty clothing lines, stinking toilets and passageways filled with the stench of urine are noticeable in the area  as the fight for survival continues. Nothando Blose , 22, lives with her grandmother , and the responsibility of ensuring that the household has enough water falls on her. “ I’ve gotten the hang of things, “ she remarked. Blose stressed that her grandmother continues to  receive water bills issued by Ethekwini municipality, even though taps are dry. “ my grandmother is angry and is yet to visit the municipal offices to clear the debt,” she stated.

 


Picture: Bill received from the municipality 


The water crisis has also disrupted daily operations of local businesses. Local salon owner Smiso Ndlovu, revealed that his business income has been greatly affected by the crisis.  This is as a result of the fact that Ndlovu has been forced to cut down on services that are water intensive such as hair relaxing, dying and washing. “ we rely on water to run our business and without it, we can’t  render ur daily services, “ he stated. Ndlovu is one of many local business owners who are struggling due to the ongoing water crisis.


The water crisis in Inanda township has brought to light the lack of leadership in the area. The Ethekwini municipality issued a statement indicating that they are supplying jojo tanks and water tankers to affected communities in order to provide interim relief. This process is being facilitated by the Ethekwini water and sanitation department in conjunction with ward councillors. However, the residents of ward 54 in Inanda do not have an active councillor. The elected ANC ward 54 councillor, Themba Mnguni, was arrested in connection with shootings that occurred in Newtown C last year, leaving the ward without a representative. 

 

While speaking on the matter, regional spokesperson Musa Nciki said that the bail conditions of Mnguni prevented him to perform his duties as a councillor. “ After the arrest of the councillor,  we deployed Mngadi to work and assist ward 54,” he said. 

 



Picture : water tanker passing ward 54

While speaking on the political issues that may be contributing to the absence of an active councillor in the area, political analyst and commentator Wandile Msomi,  highlighted that power dynamics within the political realm can significantly affect how community issues are addressed. According to Msomi, the power constatations within the party are at the root of why the issue of replacing a councillor has not yet been resolved.

 

“ Power constatations  are a major political factor as to why issues are not resolved when it comes to the replacement of councillors who are ineffective because of many reseasons. I know in this particular instance that the ANC said that they will be sending a PR councillor to try and do what the councillor has been doing and take over , but power contradictions pull the communities back,” he said. 

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