Ugu BnB owner hit by never-ending water supply issues

Many south coasters say they often go without running water in their taps for days or weeks – or supply is erratic.

They say they’ve been buying water to drink as that provided by water tankers is often not potable. 

Penny Jones is a resident and owner of Villa Ventura BnB in Margate.

She says the situation has seriously impacted residents and kept tourists away.

Jones says she doesn’t have a single booking for the long weekend. 

“We are the lowest on the south coast. We charge R300 a person. You come here I have to buy water to that you can shower and use the toilet. For one night, its cost me R325 for 1 500 litres. We cannot survive anymore with no water on the south coast. “

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“We are busy trying to get as much information as we can from people out there. We want to take Ugu to court. We want to hold them accountable for this water. People are sick because of lack of water.” 

Ugu municipality has previously said ageing infrastructure was a factor in the supply constraints.

It’s also blaming load shedding, saying its impact on their bulk water infrastructure cuts supply to households for at least six hours a day.

Municipal spokesperson Mondli Ncane has apologised and says they anticipate that supply to parts of Margate will be restored by Saturday morning.