THERE was relief and excitement among the community of Hambanathi in oThongathi after water started flowing out of their taps. And surrounding communities will share the same joy as water is expected to start running from their taps by the end of this week. 

Area Manager for the North Region Mervin Govender said the Belvedere and Metcalfe zones are expected to have their water supply restored this week, if there are no leaks identified in their pipeline. The restoration of water supply
comes after the City completed the reconstruction of the oThongathi Water Treatment Works which was destroyed during the floods earlier this year. 

The treatment works is currently in the commissioning phase which includes testing water quality and identifying
leaks. “The supply of water is done in phases, and we humbly appeal for patience from residents who have not had
their water restored. The water operations teams is still busy on the ground with repairing damaged water mains as well as damaged water meters that have occurred over the past several months,” said Govender. Residents are requested to first boil water before drinking it. This is just a precautionary measure since the pipelines were not in use for an extended period.

Communities who have not had their supply restored are also reminded to ensure that all taps are always kept closed to avoid flooding when testing of the water mains is being carried out. They will soon be recieving water again.