Cable theft and damage to an eThekwini electrical substation has resulted in prolonged water shortages being experienced by residents in Fairbreeze and Burbreeze in uThongathi.

The substation was severely vandalised and this prevented the pump stations at Jon Roz Reservoir and Burbreeze Reservoir from operating.

The substation was repaired on Monday night but owing to the restricted supply at the water works, the reservoirs are taking a long time to fill up.

Municipal Area Engineer, Ashan Nandlal said that a certain minimum level of water in the reservoir has to be reached for the pumps to safely operate.

“Considering the extent of the damage to the reticulation mains, it will take a long time for the water to fill up and for the supply to be restored. Different areas and roads are also supplied from different reservoirs, depending on their location. Therefore, some adjoining areas will have water while others do not,” said Nandlal.

The drought has also posed significant challenges which the municipality says it is a working around the clock to address.

The water level at the affected reservoir is being monitored but at this stage the Municipality cannot state exactly when water will be restored.

The City is appealing to consumers to heed the call to reduce the water demand as the Hazelmere Dam levels are extremely low.