BARBERTON – The community of Umjindi woke up to power and water outages on Sunday, leaving residents frustrated and stranded.
The City of Mbombela announced that a technical fault required repairs to the system and indicated that the work would be carried out between 07:00 and 17:00.
However, the anticipated restoration time was exceeded, with electricity only being restored in most areas at around 21:30. Residents endured an entire day without electricity, while water supply was severely affected as electric pumps could not operate without power.
The community has continued to experience poor water and electricity supply from Monday through Wednesday. Residents awoke to yet another power outage, although high-mast lights remained operational throughout the period. Electrical appliances could not be used, and learners were unable to study, negatively affecting teaching and learning.
READ | COMMUNITY WARNING NOTICE: Potential impact on water supply due to illegal mining activities
These outages occurred while political representatives in the area remained largely silent on the challenges facing the community. During this difficult period, a community WhatsApp group, which includes a Democratic Alliance councillor, served as an important communication platform for residents. The City of Mbombela Municipality also failed to engage directly with affected communities to keep them informed of developments and provide updates on the ongoing service delivery challenges.
Residents subsequently directed several questions to the Democratic Alliance councillor, following which the following statement was issued:
“The Municipality wishes to inform all residents and stakeholders that operations at the water treatment plant have resumed following a significant improvement in the quality of raw water at the intake point.
“Plant operations had previously been temporarily suspended due to poor raw water quality, which affected the treatment process. Continuous monitoring has confirmed that the raw water quality has improved to acceptable levels, allowing the treatment process to resume safely and effectively. “Water production has recommenced, and treated water will gradually be restored throughout the distribution network. Consumers may experience temporary low pressure or intermittent supply while reservoirs refill and the system stabilises.
READ MORE | Mahlobo commends progress to resolve water and sanitation challenges in Lekwa
“The Municipality appreciates the patience, understanding, and cooperation of all residents during this period. Water quality and plant performance will continue to be closely monitored to ensure that the water supplied complies with the required drinking water quality standards. “The law enforcements is doing their utmost to protect the nation key point.
For further information or to report water supply issues, please contact the Municipal Water Services Department.”
Issued by: City of Mbombela
Please note: since the system was dry, we will implement the following operational plan tonight to restore supply across all affected areas:
- Instead of the usual overnight outlet closures, outlets will remain open to allow reservoirs and pipelines to fill the lower and middle areas throughout the night. Tomorrow morning, we will assess system recovery, close supply to the lower areas, and direct water to the upper areas for the remainder of the day. Normal rationing operations are expected to resume tomorrow night.
- The General Hospital will receive supply as soon as the reservoir begins receiving water.
- Dikbas, the CBD, and surrounding areas will gradually regain supply once water reaches the reservoir.
- Residents in the Rimers and Burger Street areas may experience a longer delay; however, normal supply is anticipated by tomorrow morning.
