Last weekend's water outages were a minor problem that was quickly resolved, say officials. Although water was restored to most areas by the end of the weekend, residents – the majority from high-lying areas – turned to Facebook this week to express their frustration.
Last weekend's water outages were a minor problem that was quickly resolved, say officials. Although water was restored to most areas by the end of the weekend, residents – the majority from high-lying areas – turned to Facebook this week to express their frustration.
The outage began on Saturday 16 August.
“This is a weekly occurrence – such an inconvenience. Just last Saturday there was no water the whole day and night and that’s the day we are at home to do cleaning and laundry. What about those who might have a funeral or occasion?” wrote Joza resident Nomonde Maxhaulana.
"It would be fine if they could at least notify us as to what is going on, when there will be water cuts, and for how long," wrote Nicole Cooke of Kings Gardens, off Miles Street.
'Blind Side' who lives near PJ Olivier wrote, "Little to no water in Robinson Street for the last two weeks."
When Gina Figueira of Kings Terrace, Miles Street, wrote, "At least one water outage per week for the past six weeks, lasting around 12 hours," Lulamile Nxopo replied bitterly, "Wrong wording… the last five years and counting."
Talitha Berriman complained about a pipe in Miles Street that leaks constantly, except during outages – "not a natural spring as we initially thought".
"What gets me ticking is the fact that the municipal workers confirmed to us that when they flush the pipes of air, this ticks our meters, and therefore we are actually paying for air, and not actual water," she said.
Makana Municipality spokesperson Yoliswa Ramokolo told Grocott's Mail this week that the outage was a minor problem which had already been resolved.
“The Department of Water Affairs was mandated to flush the Glen Melville Dam which polluted the water with mud," Ramokolo said, "So we had to wait for the water to be purified first before we could let it run through to the affected communities; hence there was no water in those parts."
