Athlone Park residents forced to store water in containers due to water issues in the area.

Residents remain hopeful that the newly elected Ward Councillor, Thulisile Zungu will be the one to bring change to the water issues in Athlone Park.

The Athlone Park area has over the years become synonymous with issues regarding water cuts, with residents complaining that a solution to rectify this issue has never been sought.

In early April, KwaZulu-Natal was hit with floods that caused extensive damage throughout the province. The Athlone Park residents found themselves without water for weeks after.

Resident, Poppy Ramdeo expressed her frustrations when talking to Iziko, on the constant water cuts and the impact of the flooding.

“It’s mostly repair works done to the pipes or a burst pipe, that causes the water to be shut off. I was without water for a long time. Municipality took longer to fix up the pipes that were damaged, because their technicians could not get to the pipes to work on it.”

Ramdeo said that she is hopeful that Councillor Zungu will usher in the change, that community has been longing for.

Business owner and resident, Vishal Ramdeo who operates his business from home shared how the water cuts and recent flooding interrupted his business.

“The water cuts are troubling because most of the time it just goes off without prior warning, so we wouldn’t be able to even catch water,”  explained Ramdeo.

The Ward 93 Councillor Zungu, like other councillors says she is working tirelessly to deliver on her promises. Serving her second term as the ward Councillor, Zungu said that being in the reigns gave her a better understanding of council processes.

“I’m aware of the Athlone Park water issues and the Municipality has put money in place to change the ageing infrastructure. The recent floods really affected the failing water system, and soon that will be rectified,” said Zungu.

The Councillor also mentioned that there are numerous

projects underway, to bring relief to the community of Athlone Park.

Dillon Pillay