Service delivery in eThekwini Municipality has been severely disrupted after 80 municipal water tankers were rendered non-operational due to mechanical failures, driver shortages, and expired licenses. The tankers, which have been parked in depots since February, are critical for supplying water to communities facing chronic shortages.
Residents in affected areas say they have endured water supply issues for over a decade, but the current breakdown in tanker services has worsened their plight. Many rely on these deliveries for drinking water, sanitation, and even taking medication.
A Crisis Years in the Making
During a live broadcast, journalists observed the idle tankers, along with other municipal vehicles, gathering dust in depots. While officials claim the tankers were grounded in February due to administrative and operational issues, residents and reporters suspect the vehicles have been out of service for much longer.
One resident, part of a large community dependent on tanker deliveries, described the severe psychological and emotional toll of the water shortages. “When a tanker does come, it’s never enough,” they said. “The water runs out before everyone gets their share, leaving many without.”
Health and Hygiene at Risk
The lack of consistent water supply has also raised health concerns, with residents reporting compromised hygiene and difficulties managing medical needs. The municipality has yet to provide a clear timeline for restoring services, leaving communities in distress.
As frustrations grow, residents are pleading for urgent intervention. “We need a real solution,” one said. “This has gone on for too long.”
The eThekwini Municipality has not yet issued a formal response regarding when the tankers will be operational again. Meanwhile, affected communities continue to endure the daily struggle of life without reliable water access.
