Msunduzi councillors turn down public-private partnerships amid escalating water crisis

Councillors in the Msunduzi Municipality had voted against the idea of entering into public private partnerships (PPP) to address the water supply challenges during a council meeting on Wednesday. 

Councillor Ross Strachan, Democratic Alliance Msunduzi Caucus Leader, said he had written to the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the Water and Sanitation to demand urgent intervention as the water crisis worsens in the municipality. 

Strachan said residents in parts of Msunduzi endured nine days without any water supply. He was also concerned about the Msunduzi water department’s 60% vacancy rate.

“For years, residents of Msunduzi have borne the brunt of a collapsing water supply system, riddled with neglect, mismanagement, and corruption. The current crisis underscores the complete breakdown of essential services,” he said.  

Strachan said the DA had put forward a water rescue plan which includes the immediate ring-fencing of funds for urgent infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, and water supply capacity building. The plan also calls for transparency and accountability in the municipality’s response mechanisms.

Sabelo Hlela, Msunduzi Municipality water and sanitation head, informed council that the Vulindlela area water problems will be resolved once a new scheme is commissioned by uMngeni-uThukela water. Hlela said the population has grown and the dynamics of the area have changed resulting in insufficient water supply. He said pipelines have been laid and the wait was on the completion of reservoirs. 

“I know it is a daunting task but people who did not have water for eight years now have water. The challenge for us is to keep it and sustain it daily,” he said. 

Hlela said the Northdale area, which did not have water for several days, will receive an upgraded and larger reservoir to meet demand. He warned that the municipality cannot build pipelines and reservoirs overnight and called for councillors to be patient.

“We are working on a plan to secure funding to fix ageing infrastructure in the municipality,” he said.

Nelisiwe Ngcobo, acting city manager, said the water department required long term solutions and resources. On staff shortages she said they have recruited three people in the water department recently. Ngcobo said they were making every effort to address water challenges. 

Reinus Niemand, an African Christian Democratic Party councillor, said the municipality has allowed it under their watch through mismanagement and corruption to deteriorate to the extent that it is now a crisis. 

“Areas have not received proper water reticulation for years are a fact. Water is one aspect where politics should be set aside and innovative ways found to address the situation. The administration has failed and it is time to take hands with the private sector and civil society to pave the way forward,” he said.

During the council meeting the majority of councillors voted against the PPP suggestion.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za