By Nokwanda Ncwane
Adams Mission residents in Ward 96 have alleged that municipal water tanker drivers are selling water to residents amid the ongoing water crisis affecting several areas under the eThekwini Municipality.
The allegations resurfaced after a municipal water tanker allegedly struck and killed 38-year-old Celani Zungu on Sunday, 2 August. Residents claim Zungu was among a group of people who had tried to stop the tanker to ask for water. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media.
Frustrated residents said they sometimes go without water for up to four days as the municipality continues to implement water rationing measures. Areas in southern Durban, including Folweni, uMbumbulu, Adams Mission and Umlazi, have been among the hardest hit due to ongoing work on the Southern Aqueduct pipeline.
Ward 96 councillor Thembelihle Makhanya said he was aware of the allegations but that no action could be taken without evidence.
“The community has raised these complaints before, and we have urged residents to take photos or videos when such incidents occur so that we can investigate and escalate the matter,” he said.
During his visit to the Zungu family, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba also addressed the allegations.
Xaba said the municipality was aware of residents’ concerns and was working to resolve the ongoing water supply challenges.
In 2024, GroundUp reported that municipal water tanker drivers were allegedly selling water to residents in various parts of eThekwini that are affected by water shortages.
The publication reported that in Adams Mission, they saw a different water truck stopping at several houses in the area. The driver confirmed that he was selling water, saying he would charge R500 for 5,000 litres. A resident also reportedly confirmed he had bought 2,500 litres for R250.
