By: Vuyolwethu Nzolongwane
Weeks after the devastating storms and flooding of January 8, East London residents were left to deal with the aftermath which has seen residents having to buy water for consumption for fear of getting sick from drinking dirty tap water.
In an official statement sent out by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Xola Pakati, the city’s water has officially been declared safe to drink.
“We have been hard at work to restore water quality and reliability since our public announcement issued on the 27th of January 2022. We want to report that the water quality in the city has gradually improved to a point where we can confirm that the water is now to the requisite standard. The turbidity on the water has been able to come down to the required levels and the colour of the water is now normal,” said Pakati.
Although the water has been declared safe to drink, water-shedding will still be implemented from 10 pm to 4 am until the system has fully recovered. It has been said that the quality of the water is fine, the issue now remains the quantity, hence the need for continued water shedding.
“I am more than happy to bathe with the water especially now that it’s clearer but as for drinking the water, I doubt I’ll ever be able to drink tap water without having to think twice,” said Mdantsane resident, Siphamandla Tusani.
Areas such as Nompumelelo and Ducats are still affected by water reliability but the water quality is said to be fine in these areas and water carting will continue in high lying areas.
“It is a relief to know that the water is safe to drink but be as that may, how sure can we be that the water is safe to drink but then again distrust isn’t going to help us as we do need water to survive and for hygiene purposes so we’ll just have to take whatever we are being told with a pinch of salt, and besides, not everyone can afford to buy water daily so that they can be safe,” said Southernwood resident, Anathi Kosi.
The mayor offered his apology to the public saying that the “impact of the storm on our water infrastructure and its magnitude could never have been anticipated.”
Residents have been advised to use water sparingly.