Poison Rumors False: uMngeni-uThukela Water Sets the Record Straight

uMngeni-uThukela Water has assured residents that their water supply is safe after false rumors about poisoned dams circulated. The claims, spread through voice notes, alleged that Midmar Dam and another dam supplying eThekwini Municipality had been contaminated.

False Claims Dismissed

The voice notes suggested that suspects were caught pouring poison into local dams. These rumors caused widespread concern. However, uMngeni-uThukela spokesperson Siyabonga Maphumulo quickly dismissed the allegations. “These claims are fake news designed to create unnecessary panic,” Maphumulo said. He emphasized that all water provided meets the highest quality standards and remains safe to drink.

Water Curtailment Project Launches

Meanwhile, eThekwini Municipality has begun its water curtailment project. The initiative aims to reduce the amount of water drawn from the uMgeni system to comply with licensed volumes of 470 million cubic meters annually. The project, running for 12 months, will cut water usage by 8.4%.

The municipality clarified that water curtailment is not the same as water shedding. Unlike shedding, curtailment focuses on managing consumption to prevent future shortages. “The goal is to avoid water shedding through controlled use,” the municipality stated.

Stay Informed

Residents are urged to ignore false reports and rely on official updates. Both uMngeni-uThukela Water and the eThekwini Municipality are committed to ensuring safe water supply and sustainable usage.