eThekwini Mayor offers condolences to family following fatal municipal tanker accident

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba visited the family of Celani Zungu on Monday to express condolences following the alleged death of Zungu after being struck by a municipal water tanker in Adams Mission, located south of Durban. The incident took place on Sunday and has prompted police to open a culpable homicide case. Xaba was joined by Speaker of Council Thabani Nyawose during the visit, where he offered reassurance that the municipality would provide support to the grieving family throughout their time of mourning. The mayor’s visit followed reports that Zungu had been fatally injured when the water tanker ran him over. According to the eThekwini Municipality, the incident has sparked concern within the community, prompting calls for calm while the South African Police Service conducts its investigation. Xaba emphasized the municipality’s commitment to supporting the family and urged the public to cooperate fully with law enforcement. Adams Mission is among several rural areas in the region that rely heavily on water tankers due to insufficient local water supply. The municipality has acknowledged the challenges posed by water scarcity in the southern parts of Durban and outlined ongoing infrastructure developments aimed at addressing these issues. These initiatives include the R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct upgrade, scheduled for completion later this year, and the R11 billion Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Scheme, which is currently halfway through its construction phase. The Lower uMkhomazi project involves building a storage dam, establishing a water abstraction point along the uMkhomazi River, and constructing a water treatment facility. Once completed, the scheme is expected to generate 100 megalitres of water daily, with 70 megalitres designated for the eThekwini Municipality. This is anticipated to enhance and stabilize water distribution from Isipingo to uMkhomazi. Xaba reiterated the municipality’s deep sorrow over the incident and called upon the community to remain patient as the investigation unfolds. He expressed hope that the findings would lead to improved safety measures and greater accountability within the municipal services. The mayor also confirmed that Ward Councillor Lihle Makhanya would assist the family during their bereavement period. The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols surrounding municipal water tanker operations in rural areas. While the municipality has highlighted its long-term strategies to alleviate water shortages, the tragedy underscores the immediate risks faced by residents reliant on such services. Authorities have yet to release specific details regarding the circumstances leading to the collision, including whether the driver was at fault or if there were other contributing factors. Police have confirmed they are actively investigating the incident and have not ruled out any possibilities. However, no arrests have been made, and the outcome of the inquiry remains uncertain. The family of Zungu has not publicly commented on the incident beyond accepting the mayor’s condolences. Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality continues to emphasize its dedication to improving water access and ensuring the safety of all residents. Residents in Adams Mission and neighboring areas have expressed mixed reactions to the incident. Some have voiced concerns about the frequency of similar accidents involving municipal vehicles, while others have praised the mayor’s response and the municipality’s efforts to expand water infrastructure. Community leaders have called for increased transparency and stricter oversight of municipal operations to prevent future tragedies. The eThekwini Municipality has reiterated its commitment to completing the Lower uMkhomazi project on schedule, stating that once operational, it will significantly reduce dependency on water tankers in the area. Until then, the reliance on these mobile units will continue, raising further questions about the adequacy of current safety measures. The municipality has pledged to review its protocols and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect both workers and civilians. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police expected to release more information in the coming days. In the meantime, the focus remains on supporting the affected family and addressing broader concerns about water delivery and safety in the region.