Several residents of Mdantsane woke up on Thursday without potable water following a cable theft incident at the Umzonyana Water Treatment Works. This left large parts of East London and the suburb facing water quality concerns and supply interruptions this week. The theft prompted the Buffalo City Metro to issue a precautionary notice to boil water while urgent tests were conducted.
Resident Ncumisa Mekane said they were used to the inconsistent water supply in their area. “We get water during the day and then it gets switched off in the evening, which is frustrating because we are being deprived of our basic rights. “It is even more frustrating now, because we are being given contaminated water.” I live with a physically challenged child, which is very challenging, because I always have to make sure I give my child medical treatment and also make sure he is hydrated and clean.
Mekane said they had been waiting for water tankers for the past 24 hours, as that was the only alternative. Unit P resident Hlomela Magadlela said she had been without water for four days. “I live with a physically challenged child, which is very challenging, because I always have to make sure I give my child medical treatment and also make sure he is hydrated and clean,” Magadlela said.
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BCM spokesperson Bongani Fuzile confirmed that power to the critical treatment plant was cut on Tuesday afternoon after thieves tampered with the main power supply line. “Power to the Umzonyana Water Treatment Works was interrupted late afternoon on Tuesday, and our electricity department immediately launched an investigation which confirmed the main supply cable had been cut,” Fuzile said.
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