eThekwini investigates algae discovery in water supply

The eThekwini municipality is conducting investigations after the discovery of algae in its water. Due to water shortages, many areas within the municipal borderlines are without water.

According to Mayor Cyril Xaba, the algae has prevented them from providing sufficient water to the community. This as they wrestling to treat the algea, that was first discovered in mid August, this year.

The eThekwini municipality says the provision of quality water to the community is it’s priority.

Water experts are busy with investigations. Xaba says the national department has also intervened to resolve the challenge.

“The presence of algae has resulted in the reduction of water volumes from uMngeni-UThukela from 590 mega liters per day and it is for this reason that the Department of Water and Sanitation has undertook the decision to determine the root cause of the increase of algae in raw and once this report has been finalised, we will make it available to the public.”

The uMngeni-UThukela Water COO, Sanele Mazibuko, believes the high temperatures and low water levels in dams is the main cause for the algae.

“Algae of course is the normal phenomenon which normally occurs and we are able to treat it at the plant with various chemicals. Usually, it doesn’t boom this time, obviously its water and dams are stable, but what happened is that because of the heat wave that came and dam levels being low, it created a perfect opportunity for algae to grow rapidly than normal.”

Xaba also announced the municipality’s decision to cancel the debts owed by 1-million deceased estates.

“The council took a resolution to write off debts on residential properties with a value of up 1-million that are owned by the deceased estate. To qualify for this, the debts must be over 24 months and there must be surviving person or occupier of the deceased property to make arrangements to pay for municipal accounts after the write-off to avoid the emergence of the debts,” explains Xaba.

According to Xaba, the municipality will introduce a new billing system in October.

Durban Water Crisis | eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba updates residents with latest on the issue