Sabotage denied in Durban water shortages

By Sihle Mavuso

uMngeni-uThukela Water – the bulk water supplier to eThekwini Municipality — has denied that sabotage linked to the so-called water tanker mafia caused the Nagle Dam valve failure, which left thousands of residents in over 60 suburbs and townships without water for almost three days.  

The valve failure resulted in a reduction of 150 megalitres of water per day that is usually supplied to the metro for treatment at the Durban Heights Water Works.

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Responding to claims of sabotage, uMngeni-uThukela Water spokesperson Siyabonga Maphumulo said the board had no official information suggesting foul play.

“As uMngeni-uThukela Water, we are not aware of any sabotage claims. What we are aware of is that the valve broke during a routine maintenance operation,” Maphumulo said.

He did not specify whether the damage was caused by uMngeni-uThukela Water staff or