Water supply challenges persist across communities in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, with the Utrecht area currently grappling with significant difficulties. In response, the eMadlangeni (Utrecht) Local Municipality convened a special rapid response meeting on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, to address the escalating water crisis affecting the town.

The Municipality’s Communications Unit reported that the session was held in collaboration with Amajuba District Municipality after alarming reports indicated that the Balele Dam had reached critically low levels, significantly impacting water availability in the area.
“During the meeting, key stakeholders discussed various strategies to alleviate the ongoing water challenges. A primary focus was the urgent need to resuscitate boreholes within the municipality to reduce reliance on the district municipality for water supply. It was unanimously agreed that revitalising these boreholes should be a top priority,” stated the Communications Unit.
In line with this decision, the council and municipal management pledged to refurbish two boreholes within the municipality. This initiative is intended to provide the community with immediate access to much-needed water resources.
Additionally, recognising the challenges posed by the festive season and rising temperatures, the Communications Unit announced plans to increase water tanker deliveries to the community. “A total of three water tankers will be allocated per ward, with schedules and locations for water distribution made available to the residents,” they explained.
To further address the crisis, the Amajuba District Municipality has committed to installing JoJo tanks within the community as a supplementary measure to enhance water access.

“The eMadlangeni Local Municipality remains dedicated to finding sustainable solutions to ensure that all residents have reliable access to water,” emphasised the Communications Unit.
As efforts to resolve the water crisis continue, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 6
This municipality lacks a management. Everything is dalipidated, roads, infrastructures like electricity pylon. Cables are falling down that are dangerous to our children. Water pipes are licking for almost 2 to 3 days that might the cause of disaster. We really need a caple management in this municipality. How can a counselor of ward two always in holidays when ask help. People must stop looting our money. I don’t see why we pay rates because really there is no service delivery. I think you must do a survey in this town because our properties are gradually losing values. These people are stealing tax payers money because they are sleeping at work. What was their plan B before water in the dam became finished. We really in the mess because we don’t have outside toilet. We buy drinking water everyday because this tankers we don’t know where they get this water. Is healthier? How long will this mess ends. Will this incompetent management get paid while water is still not available for this innocent community? That really disingenuous.
Exactly well said!
Poor management
Our company has reached out to both municipalities with a permanent resolution to cure the issue of water crisis in the area however no responses were received.
There are no management and no control. The management does not even stay in Utrecht, but the community has to suffer. The management does not worry about the town or its people and there is no maintenance planned or done through out the year. The down is falling apart and all they are worried about is their salaries! It’s time that the people open their eyes and see that all monies paid to the Municipality is used for their own gain. It’s a joke!
The Emadlangeni Local Community’s service must to take actions now we are in crisis for days or months with poor management..please let this be delivered to the Utrecht government for no more crying in this battle of dry living of Community in this area no more ..enough is enough please let the area be fixed and be alerted with better services. We as the Community of Utrecht we ask for better response from you , our grand parents they’re getting sick and tired of all this’s happening because they’re old enough for hearing Utrecht falling down for no better services they need care for their sickness but the drought of lack water are high no fixed while they’re paying taxes, so, let the Utrecht improve and be minded through this battle of dry living.