NOLUVO MGIJIMA

THE community of Malubalube in the Eastern Cape remains confident that dry taps will deliver water one day.

This was despite sharing water with animals, which has become a daily routine to access water.

The last time the village, under Ward 3 in Matatiele, had water supply was in 2017. After all these years, villagers said access to get water has become a daily struggle. They said they depend on a man-made hole to get water. To avoid getting dirty water used by animals, the community said they wake up at early hours to get water while it is still clean.

Resident Raymond Mqolombeni said he had suffered from a water-borne disease due to unclean water. 

“The lack of water in most rural areas is a sign of neglect by the ANC-led municipality in the Alfred Nzo District. The Batho Pele principle is being violated because people deserve services,” said DA chief whip Wonga Potwana in the Matatiele Local Municipality. In response, Alfred Nzo District Municipality spokesperson Luncedo Walaza said that the municipality has already started with the Maluti-Ramohlakoana bulk water supply projects, covering four wards.

Walaza said the water projects will be completed next year.