Ululation and tears of joy filled the air in eSiyembeni, Ward 10, Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality today, as residents celebrated the return of running water after 15 years without a reliable supply.
UMkhanyakude District Municipality, as the water services authority, has successfully resuscitated critical water infrastructure servicing eSiyembeni and surrounding villages of Nkumbaneni, oDlokodlo and Machibini.
The project involved the refurbishment of reservoirs, replacement of vandalized pipelines and resuscitation of the Machibini community water scheme.
The community, which had endured a decade and a half of water scarcity, ululated and extended gratitude to district Mayor Cllr Siphile Mdaka as he opened the taps during an oversight visit.
"For 15 years we suffered. Today our children can drink from the tap. We thank the Mayor and the Municipality for remembering us," said a community member.
Mayor Mdaka said restoring water is about restoring dignity.
"Water is life and water is dignity. This is what the DDM One Plan, One Budget is about ensuring no community is left behind," said Mayor Mdaka.
