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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal today calls for an investigation into the cause of the burst pipeline in Umgudulu, eThekwini.

We are further calling for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements to provide temporary shelter to the affected residents.

This follows the sudden burst of the central aqueduct on the M19 which resulted in a massive flooding and devastation in the settlement.

The Democratic Alliance commends eThekwini Ward 23 Councillor Alicia Kissoon for her quick response which resulted in the lives of Umgudulu residents being saved. Councillor  Kissoon was the first on site and immediately alerted municipal officials, and the City's  Disaster Management department.

Water officials responded by isolating the pipeline for repair which prevented a far more worse outcome. Unfortunately the Disaster management teams only arrived several  hours later.

The blame for this catastrophe falls squarely at the door of the ANC who for decades have turned a blind eye whilst these residents built homes on the dangerous pipeline servitude putting their lives at risk.

Besides failing to monitor or control the settlement expansion in this high risk area, the municipality has also jeopardised  the lives of these residents by neglecting to maintain the aging infrastructure.Preliminary information suggests that the burst aqueduct was as a result of an inspection hole succumbing to pressure.

How much longer must vulnerable  eThekwini residents  suffer under an ANC government that does not care about them or put their safety and needs first?

The Umgudulu settlement was severely impacted  during the April 2022 floods and  to date have still have not received full relief from the tragedy.

The municipality’s warning against building on pipeline servitudes rings hollow when it has done little to prevent such encroachments.

Simply cautioning residents without proactive enforcement or providing safer housing options is a gross abdication of responsibility. Moreover, the housing project currently underway, is insufficient to accommodate the rising number of residents that have set up home here.

As the Democratic Alliance, we demand:

1. A thorough investigation into the root cause of the pipeline failure and a report on the pipeline maintenance schedule.

2. Urgent intervention by Human Settlements to provide temporary shelter for residents and permanent housing opportunities.

This disaster must serve as yet another wake-up call  for the eThekweni Municipality.Asthe DA we have been for a long time calling for proper law enforcement, infrastructure maintenance and housing opportunities for residents. Residents deserve to live in a safe and dignified environment.

We will continue to fight on behalf of residents and hold government to account.

Issued by Marlaine Nair, MPL  - DA West Durban Constituency Head