Water protests have erupted again in Musina, Limpopo, with protesters complaining that despite promises made by the municipality, the district municipality and the deputy minister, the water supply is still not constant.
Earlier this month, protesters blocked the N1 with burning tires but were dispersed by police. Last year, a week-long protest led to the destruction of municipal property and the looting of several shops owned by foreigners.
protest
The protesters said that Musina municipality, Vhembe district municipality (which is responsible for water supply) and deputy water and sanitation minister Dikeledi Magadzi have failed. after protests last week.
On March 8, 2022, 10 residents insisted on attending a meeting between Magadzi, the municipality and the district municipality.
Matodzi Ralushai, the spokesperson of the Vhembe municipality, then said that the meeting had decided that the Vhembe municipality would “develop” an immediate, short-term and long-term water plan.
Complete the plan
Lucy Kobe, spokesperson for Limpopo’s water and sanitation department (DWS), said the department is finalizing plans to fix Musina’s water challenges.
He also promised a follow-up visit by the deputy minister. Surprisingly, our bills are very high “Some residents have to buy water, some take it from friends and relatives.
We rarely see water tankers delivering water in Musina. The most surprising thing is that our water bill is so high, and we wonder if the bill reflects the amount of water we use each month.
In Matswale Extension 14, Simon Semon is one of several “Most of Musina town has been without water for three weeks,” a resident, who did not want to be named, told GroundUp residents who have placed containers outside to collect water in the hope- going. it can rain.
He said he could not remember how long his family in the area struggled with poor water supply. “I’m very lucky today.
Also read: Water disaster threatens R150bn investment in Limpopo
Unreliable supply
There was some water from the tap but the pressure was very low. You can stop at any time,” said Semon. He said the county failed to plan for the city’s development.
Another resident, Makie Nevhulaudzi, said her house also rarely gets water. “Every day I have to make three trips to fetch water from my brother.”
He said he had lived there for three years and had never had a reliable source of water. Ralushai told GroundUp that upgrading the main water supply line to Musina will provide a solution, but the municipality of Vhembe is still busy with this technical report.
Meanwhile, he said, water supply has been affected by vandalism at the borehole. DWS spokesperson Wisane Mavasa also mentioned the vandalism of boreholes.
Asked why there had been no progress after a year, he said a technical team had been formed to “develop and implement an action plan”.’
READ MORE: Billions spent on water projects, but Limpopo villages remain dry
This article originally appeared on GroundUp and is republished with permission. Read the original article here