KOMANI- Komani is facing a new problem just after struggling with severe power outages the town is now running out of water, power outages had already hurt the town’s economy now the water shortages are making things even worse. Residents and businesses are finding it hard to get the water they need.
The situation is serious and the town needs help quickly, Komani residents are waiting for a solution to this new crisis.
Additionally, Komani and its surrounding areas have been grappling with a severe water shortage crisis with the Bonkolo dam dwindling to alarming levels.
The waterdown dam the sole supplier of water to Whittlesea and Komani has been struggling to meet the demand leaving residents on edge. In a bid to reduce the crisis authorities have been racing against time to repair the Xonxa pump station which is expected to be operational by March 2025.
Chris Hani district municipality(CHDM) has also launched an initiative to explore groundwater sources, including boreholes to expand raw water inflow. Meanwhile, a technical fault at the Komani Water Treatment Plant had worsened the crisis but CHDM has announced that the issue has been successfully resolved.
According to the statement released on 16th January 2025 by Chris Hani District municipality Municipal Manager Gcobani Mashiyi, “Pumping operations have resumed and the reservoirs are being refilled paving the way for a gradual restoration of the water supply.”
In addition, while some areas may still experience low water pressure or outages authorities assure that these disruptions will be temporary. Water carting services will continue to provide an alternative supply to affected areas.
As the community breathes a sigh of relief residents are advised to remain patient as the water supply is fully restored. The swift resolution of the technical fault is a welcome relief but the underlying water shortage crisis remains a pressing concern.
Photograph: Supplied
