Water crisis in Durban causes early school closures
Learning is being affected at some Durban schools as constant water shortages lead to constant early school closures.
The Democratic Alliance in Durban has called for schools to be exempt from the persistent water cuts and water shortages.
This comes after learners at Wembley Primary, in Phoenix, were sent home early due to lack of water supply to the school.
LEARNING AFFECTED BY WATER CUTS
According to DA eThekwini Leader, Thabani Mthethwa, the closure of schools happens more often than not.
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“EThekwini is already engaged in an ongoing human rights violation over this water crisis. Not only does the non-supply of water threaten to disturb the curriculum but it also poses a health risk at a concentrated facility such as a school premises”, says Mthethwa.
Mthethwa says the 15th February deadline set by Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu, for repairs to water infrastructure is unrealistic.
“The DA is not convinced that the city will be anywhere near eradicating the water challenges in heavily affected areas like Phoenix, Verulam, eThekwini and Tongaat by the 15th February deadline which was confidently announced by the Water Minister.”
VANDALISM
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Meanwhile, the municipality condemns the acts of sabotage and vandalism at the Athlone Park pumpstation south of the metro.
In a statement the City says the station is now none functional. Crime made way with electric cables while the control panel is destroyed.
“The City appeals to community members to work with it to clamp down on this unlawful conduct which impedes service delivery and frustrates communities.”
“The City’s technical team is assessing the damage. In the meantime, the City has mobilised water tankers to provide relief to affected residents.”