Rhodes may close if taps stay dry

In a letter written to the Makana municipality, the university's vice-chancellor, Saleem Badat, said for the second time this year the university might be forced to shut its doors as it cannot function without water.

"Despite the valiant efforts of our staff and the great fortitude of our students, we cannot cope any longer," Badat said.

Hundreds of students and staff are without drinking water and there is no water for washing, cleaning or flushing toilets.

The university is supplying 880 affected students with two litres of bottled water each day.

Badat led a march to the municipal offices on Tuesday (13 August).

Municipal manager Pravine Naidoo said there have been various problems and, effectively, both pumps at the Howieson's Poort Dam failed.

By Thursday, (15 August) water had been restored to some of the residences, at the university a Rhodes spokesman said.

Source: The Times via I-Net Bridge