Dry taps ‘a way of life ’ for irate residents

PEOPLE from most parts of KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, only have access to water for 12 hours a day on weekdays.

Residents from various areas whose taps have been running dry for more than three months now rely on a borehole for water at a Christian college.

Arriving in droves in bakkies, sedans and wheelbarrows loaded with buckets, old dustbins and plastic containers, residents from Section B and Zakheni, among other areas, draw water from Mukhanyo Theological College, about a kilometre away from KwaMhlanga Hospital. The college is closed on weekends.

“There is little hope for us. I have been living in the area for 18 years and it has always been like this.

“There has never been a time when we have water supply for a long time. There is always a cut,” said resident Thabang Mogale, 36.

Schools, local clinics, the hospital and businesses are affected by the water cuts.

“This has been the situation for months. We were fortunate to get help from the college. I have lost hope in ever living a normal life.

“There is no communication about what is happening. We are not being treated with respect and dignity, ” said 59-year-old Harris Makgalemele.

He has lost count of the number of trips he has made from his home to the college just for water.

“We are struggling ... and next year we will be expected to vote.

“What are we voting for when we are being left to suffer like this?” Makgalemele asked.

Musi Primary School pupils said they also did not have water.

“I have heard that sometimes there is water supply at night.

“What is the point because we do not attend school at night but during the day?

“Our toilets are filthy. I do not use them and wait until I get home. At least at home I can use a bucket to flush the toilet, so it ’ s a bit clean,” said the pupil.

Another said they brought drinking water from their homes which they shared with others.

The college ’ s manager Andre Mwepu said he had been threatened twice by residents over locking the gates.

“People are not allowed to use the water for building purposes.

“That can wait. They have to use the water wisely,” he said.