Water minister asks for taps to flow in Durban for G20 delegates despite planned maintenance

eThekwini residents criticized a last-minute directive from Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina to postpone a planned 24-hour shutdown at the Wiggins water treatment plant, aimed at replacing a meter and inspecting pipelines ahead of G20 Summit precursor meetings in Durban. Preparations had already begun, causing water shortages in areas like Sherwood, Bonela, Bluff, and Clare Estate, with recovery underway but high-lying reservoirs slow to refill. The utility warned of potential two-week recovery delays if not addressed soon. Residents and ratepayers associations condemned the move as poor planning that prioritizes a 'rosy image' for international visitors over local suffering and essential maintenance.