UPDATE: uMkhanyakude management in court over water shortages

LEGAL proceedings got underway at Mtubatuba High Court on Friday following the subpoena of various uMkhanyakude District Municipality (UKDM) managers who were tasked with explaining, under oath, why Mtubatuba and surrounding areas is devoid of water.

‘The water supply in Mtubatuba has been erratic at best, resulting in many delayed trials at the regional, district and high courts, and has necessitated this formal enquiry,’ said Judge Anton van Zyl as proceedings opened.

Among those subpoenaed on Wednesday were uMkhanyakude Mayor Jeff Vilane, Acting Municipal Manager Nonhlanhla Ndlela and Acting Director of Technical Services Desire Sibanda.

Ward 5 Councillor from Mtubatuba, Ndumiso Zuma, received his subpoena just minutes before the start of the enquiry.

One hour was assigned for testimonies, so only Zuma and Sibanda testified.

When asked to explain the difficulties he has experienced in attempting to report leaks and initiate repairs, Zuma merely said the crisis relates to the drought and he would not delve into the problems of water supply in the area.

Van Zyl’s questions to Sibanda focused mainly on the ongoing leak adjacent to the N2 near the Mtubatuba exit and why it has been left to gush out thousands of litres of purified water for weeks.

‘The cost of remedial action relative to the cost of water loss at the N2 leak is minor,’ said van Zyl, when Sibanda cited lack of funds as the reason the leak had gone unrepaired.

Van Zyl also said a leak as significant as the N2 pipeline ought to be prioritised.

Borehole vandalism was also raised by Sibanda as a significant issue and one that UKDM cannot afford to continually address.

But van Zyl grilled him for UKDM not stationing security guards at these vandalism hotspots.

‘The cost of guarding is significantly lower than continually carrying out repairs to vandalised boreholes,’ said van Zyl.

UKDM has been given until Friday (18 March) to fix the N2 pipeline leak or face contempt of court.

Speaking outside the courthouse, Vilane confirmed payment would be made to the service provider and repairs would be carried out over the weekend.

The matter was adjourned until Friday when more testimonies will be heard.