Villagers Risk Lives Fetching Water in Richmond Farm

In Richmond Farm, Ntuzuma B, north of Durban, a water crisis has forced residents into dangerous situations. Despite a large above-ground water pipeline running through the area, it doesn’t provide water to the community. Instead, residents use the exposed pipeline as a precarious bridge to cross a deep gully and fetch water from a municipal ablution facility in KwaMashu K section. This situation arose after the 2022 floods exposed the pipeline.

The community, comprising around 4,000 households excluding informal settlements, has endured dry taps for weeks on end over the past three years. Crossing the pipeline is risky and has resulted in injuries and fatalities, but residents feel they have no choice. Thandi Ndlovu describes the experience as terrifying but necessary for survival. Sibusiso Dlamini recounts how people have been injured or even died attempting the crossing, highlighting the desperate gamble they must take. Nomusa Zulu, a mother of three, voices her frustration, noting the absence of water tankers on her road despite the ongoing water crisis.

Ward 38 Councillor Muzi Thusi acknowledges the intermittent water supply issues and states that five water tankers and 24 rain tanks have been allocated to the area. However, he points out that when the water supply is restored, tankers stop coming, and sometimes committee members fail to report when water is off again. Thusi also notes that residents often miss tanker deliveries if they are away at work and suggests the need for a proper schedule.

The situation could improve with the repair of the Ntuzuma 2 pump station, damaged in a fire in April 2023. Initial expectations were for repairs to be completed by March, but delays have pushed the timeline to July 2025, barring any unforeseen issues. eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana assures that water tankers will continue to be used in the interim and urges residents to report water issues through their ward councillors or by using various municipal communication channels, including a mobile app, WhatsApp, a toll-free number, or email.

The residents of Richmond Farm continue to struggle with severe water scarcity and the dangers of fetching water under hazardous conditions. The current municipal efforts are insufficient, and more effective solutions are urgently needed to provide safe and reliable access to water.