Ramsgate residents say that water problems in their area are continuing and that they are getting tired of empty promises by Ugu to solve the problem.

Despite Ugu District municipality issuing a statement that water shedding would be effective in high-lying areas between 10pm and 5am, residents say that they have had to go the whole day without water.

In parts of Margate, Port Shepstone, Marburg and Albersville residents are also suffering similar problems.

According to Ugu spokesman, France Zama, a burst pipe found in Ramsgate has been the cause of major water problems in the area. However, water has been restored.

In a statement released by the municipality recently, it is stated that ‘the municipality is urging customers to report all water and sanitation related matters directly to the municipality’s established customer interaction channels in order for their issues to receive optimal attention from the municipality’.

Zama said: “The municipality has a fully functional 24-hour call centre, sms line and social network pages on Facebook and Twitter for unlimited accessibility to its customers.

These mechanisms are a further commitment by the municipality towards encouraging a continuous dialogue with communities on the service standards being rendered to them.”

He further said that water and sanitation complaints are imperative for the municipality, giving an indication on the level of service received by customers.

“We also urge our communities to continue being the custodians of our water and sanitation infrastructure by diligently alerting the municipality to any problems they experience such as burst pipes, water leaks, broken sewer lines, no water in their areas and more.”

Customers are urged to visit www.ugu.gov.za, Facebook page: Ugu District Municipality, Twitter: @Ugu_Water or alternatively contact the call centre at 08000 WATER (92837) or (039) 688 5830/36 or sms 44751.

–South Coast Herald