Ngwathe Local Municipality
By Thabo Mosia
Ngwathe Municipality has taken swift action to address water quality concerns in areas affected by recent water supply issues. On Tuesday, 29 October 2024, the municipality’s manager, Dr Futhuli Mothamaha, announced that urgent measures are underway to improve the quality of water supplied to residents. In response to complaints of muddy water, the municipality has deployed water tankers as a temporary relief and commenced a network flush in specific areas, focusing on reservoirs and pipelines.
In his statement, Dr Mothamaha assured residents, “This communique serves to UPDATE residents that the Municipal Manager Dr F.P Mothamaha, Acting Director Technical Services Mr Pali and the water management team has introduced urgent measures to improve water quality in affected areas, after physical site visit today.” He added that improvements are already being noticed as the team flushes out the network, particularly around reservoir number 4 in Mandela.
To mitigate disruptions, water supply is being temporarily diverted to another reservoir in Lusaka while reservoir number 4 is shut down for cleaning. This proactive approach, coupled with water tankers being rolled out to the affected areas, aims to ensure residents continue to have access to safe water as the cleaning process progresses.
Addressing Muddy Water Concerns
Earlier, Dr Mothamaha acknowledged the widespread concerns over muddy water flowing from taps in specific areas, an issue reportedly stemming from recent water shortages due to a broken pump. Areas such as Schonkenville have experienced inconsistent water supply in recent days, prompting the technical team to prioritise these areas for urgent action.
In his earlier message to residents, Dr Mothamaha clarified, “This communique serves to inform residents that the municipality has noted concerns regarding the muddy water coming out of taps in some areas that experienced water shortages recently due to broken water pump.” He emphasised that the current water quality issues are unrelated to the ongoing refurbishment of the Parys Water Treatment Works, dispelling any confusion about the cause of the problem.
Immediate Actions Taken by Ngwathe Municipality
To address the issue, the municipality’s technical team is flushing out the network, a process aimed at removing accumulated sludge and impurities in the pipes that may contribute to the murky water. This network flush involves draining and cleaning reservoirs, pipelines, and other components of the water supply infrastructure to restore both the quality and quantity of water reaching households.
Dr Mothamaha reported that improvements have already been observed in areas where the flushing process has commenced, particularly around Mandela’s reservoir number 4. To minimise water supply interruptions, the team has rerouted water from reservoir number 2 in Lusaka to provide a steady supply while reservoir number 4 undergoes cleaning.
Temporary Relief through Water Tankers
As part of the municipality’s immediate response plan, water tankers have been deployed to the affected areas to ensure residents have continuous access to clean water during this period. This measure is intended to provide relief to residents while the technical team continues its work on the water network. Dr Mothamaha and Acting Director of Technical Services, Mr Pali, urged residents to remain patient as they undertake these critical repairs and improvements.
Residents are encouraged to report any ongoing muddy water issues by contacting the water network team at 060 521 5310 or liaising with their ward councillors for further assistance. Additionally, emergency services can be reached at 082 909 3464 or 067 424 2372, providing an alternative avenue for residents needing urgent water support.
Assurance of Quality and Quantity in Water Supply
Ngwathe Municipality has committed to ensuring that water quality meets acceptable standards once the network flush is completed. Dr Mothamaha highlighted that the situation is being managed closely, and the municipality’s technical team is actively monitoring improvements across the network. As the team addresses the issue, they aim to stabilise the water supply, reduce turbidity (cloudiness), and prevent future instances of muddy water.
The municipality’s transparent communication regarding the cause of the water quality issue and the measures being taken is a key factor in maintaining public trust. By clarifying that the problem is unrelated to the Parys Water Treatment Works refurbishment, the municipality aims to provide reassurance and address any misunderstandings within the community.
Broader Context: South Africa’s Ongoing Water Challenges
The issue in Ngwathe Municipality reflects broader challenges faced by municipalities across South Africa, where ageing infrastructure, periodic droughts, and resource limitations often lead to water supply disruptions. Maintenance and infrastructure upgrades remain critical to ensuring water security for both urban and rural communities.
Across the country, local governments have implemented various measures, from infrastructure investment to emergency water delivery programmes, in response to recurring water challenges. Ngwathe Municipality’s proactive approach, including site visits by senior officials and the deployment of water tankers, demonstrates a commitment to addressing local water needs promptly and effectively.
Long-Term Plans for Water Quality Improvement
In addition to the immediate measures, Ngwathe Municipality has indicated its intention to implement long-term solutions to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The ongoing refurbishment of the Parys Water Treatment Works is part of this commitment, aiming to upgrade the infrastructure and enhance the capacity to meet the area’s growing water demand.
The refurbishment project, which has been underway for several months, involves modernising treatment facilities, upgrading filtration systems, and improving overall water quality management. Once completed, this project is expected to enhance the municipality’s ability to provide consistent and high-quality water to residents across the region.
Encouraging Community Cooperation and Patience
Dr Mothamaha and the municipal team have appealed to residents for their understanding and cooperation during this period. The success of the network flushing process and other maintenance efforts largely depends on the support of the community, particularly in terms of reporting issues and exercising patience as the repairs progress.
The municipality’s communication efforts, including detailed updates on social media and direct engagement with residents, reflect a responsive approach to public concerns. This openness is instrumental in fostering a sense of partnership between the municipality and the community, especially as both parties work together to address the challenges facing the local water supply.
How to Contact Ngwathe Municipality for Water-Related Assistance
Residents affected by water quality issues or in need of emergency water services are encouraged to use the provided contact numbers for immediate assistance:
• Water Network Team: 060 521 5310
• Emergency Services: 082 909 3464 / 067 424 2372
Additionally, residents are advised to reach out to their respective ward councillors for local support and information about water tankers in their area.
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