/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

eThekwini municipality leadership has shown a complete lack of urgency and accountability in addressing the ongoing water issues that are plaguing residents across the city. It is unacceptable that, despite increasing frustration from communities, businesses, and schools, the leadership has failed to directly address the dire water situation affecting the entire city.

Water outages, leaking pipes, and broken infrastructure have become a daily reality for many eThekwini residents. These recurring issues are not just inconveniences; they are severe disruptions to daily life, with families and businesses struggling to maintain basic hygiene and access to clean water. Yet, eThekwini’s leadership continues to act as though it is business as usual, with no clear response to the growing crisis.

It is a basic human right for every resident to have access to clean, safe water, yet the city’s failure to maintain and repair infrastructure is preventing this right from being realized. We cannot continue to let this situation spiral out of control. Residents are frustrated and businesses are suffering—yet the eThekwini leadership has remained largely silent on the matter. This lack of action is irresponsible and unacceptable.

The DA is calling on the eThekwini municipality leadership to urgently address the following:

Provide Immediate Communication: Residents deserve transparency and updates on when the water issues will be resolved. The municipality must engage with the public directly and honestly, offering clear timelines for infrastructure repairs and stable water supply restoration.

Invest in Infrastructure Repair and Upgrades: The city must allocate sufficient resources for the repair of broken water infrastructure, prioritizing areas hardest hit by the crisis. Long-term investment in water systems and infrastructure upgrades is crucial to prevent future issues.

Public Assurance and Accountability: The leadership of eThekwini must publicly acknowledge the water crisis and outline a detailed plan of action. Accountability for the state of the infrastructure and the delivery of services is essential for restoring faith in local governance.

Water is an essential service and a basic human right. It is time for eThekwini municipality leadership to take responsibility and act swiftly to resolve this ongoing crisis. The DA will continue to push for urgent action and transparency to ensure that eThekwini residents can access the water they need to live with dignity and security.

The DA filed a motion, proposing that the CFO looks at reprioritizing the budget to address water challenges.

Issued by Councillor Thabani Ndlovu - DA eThekwini Media Coordinator