Tensions between ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance have escalated following recent water disruptions at the Durban Heights Reservoir. The disruptions were caused by the closure of the reservoir by uMngeni-uThukela Water to address algae contamination in the primary water supply dams. | Ntuthuko Mlondo
Durban — With by-elections approaching in eThekwini this week, tensions have escalated following a clash between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA.
ActionSA has blamed the uMngeni Municipality for the water disruptions at the Durban Heights Reservoir.
In a statement by the ActionSA, parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said that the party was deeply concerned about the severe water crisis in eThekwini, where 55% of the population was currently without water and relying on tankers.
Trollip said following a briefing from uMngeni-uThukela Water, it was confirmed that the algae build-up was caused by untreated raw sewage and possibly industrial and land use-related pollution entering the water supply.
“This contamination stems from the failure of the municipality's wastewater treatment pump stations, which have not been properly maintained. As a result, untreated sewage is flowing into the Albert Falls River, which feeds the Albert Falls and Nagel dams — the primary water sources for the Durban Heights Reservoir,” Trollip said.
“This neglect of critical sewerage infrastructure has not only led to excessive algae blooms and widespread water shortages but also poses a serious environmental threat to Durban’s water supply. Experts have long warned that this situation was inevitable due to the municipality's failure to address these infrastructure issues,” Trollip added.
In response, DA KZN chairperson MP Dean Macpherson argued that ActionSA lacks an understanding of how water infrastructure functions and clarified that the DA-run uMngeni Municipality did not cause the water issue.
Macpherson pointed out that the ActionSA concluded that the local municipality is responsible for sewage and water issues, when in fact it is the responsibility of the ANC-run district municipality.
Mayor of uMngeni Municipality, Chris Pappas said that ActionSA has incorrectly attributed the ongoing water crisis in eThekwini to the uMngeni Municipality. Pappas said that the water and sanitation management lies with the uMgungundlovu District Municipality - ANC-run and uMngeni-uThukela Water, which oversees the infrastructure and facilities.
“At the uMngeni Municipality, we welcome robust political competition but strongly caution against spreading misinformation in a bid to gain votes,” Pappas said.
Pappas added that while they appreciated ActionSA’s enthusiasm for public debate, their contributions would be far more valuable if grounded in facts.
Pappas concluded that they focus their efforts on holding the correct authorities accountable, especially those responsible for water services.
Last month, the eThekwini Municipality conducted an inspection at the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works following the interruption of water supply in the northern area. During the inspection, eThekwini Municipality mayor Cyril Xaba praised the speed with which they resolved the challenge of the clogging of filters in the plant, and demonstrated the steadfastness to tackle water interruptions head-on.
Xaba added that to meet increasing water demand, the municipality in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation and uMngeni-uThukela Water, had begun the construction of the upper Umkhomazi Dam.
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