Water war simmers in Kabokweni
Some of the residents are surviving through illegal water connections because they cannot afford to buy it or fill their JoJo tanks as the association is charging between R150 and R300 for a 2 200-litre tank.
KABOKWENI – Water-truck owners are alleged to be responsible for damaging supply pipes in order for them to benefit by selling this precious resource to the community.
Mpumalanga News’ investigation revealed that this illegal activity surfaced early in 2014 and has had a negative impact in Bhejukufa, Tekatakho, Gutjwa and Mphotholozi streets because residents have spent days without a drop of water.
According to some residents, this activity arised after the formation of the KaBokweni Water Association, allegedly by tanker owners who sold water to the community, instead of supplying them free of charge.
• Community faces new water crisis
A resident in one of the affected areas said the community has had enough of the corrupt system.
“This issue is becoming more serious by the day because people are denied the right to water which is a basic necessity.
“We have raised the matter with the local municipality and our outcries seem to fall on deaf ears. There will be serious trouble if the premier, Mr David Mabuza, does not intervene because there are talks of a protest,” the resident said.
Apparently water-truck owners are hell-bent on damaging infrastructure for the benefit of their illicit businesses. They are alleged to have blocked some of the pipes that supply water to the community so that people will be forced to buy.
Some of the residents are surviving through illegal water connections because they cannot afford to buy it or fill their JoJo tanks as the association is charging between R150 and R300 for a 2 200-litre tank.
Another community member, Ms Thandokuhle Lubisi said, “Some of us are unemployed, so where are we going to get the money to buy water? Illegal connections are the only solution we have, since we need water.”
She added that what triggered most illegal connections was the negative attitude of their ward councillor.
“We have reported the issue several times to our (former) councillor, with no result,” said Lubisi.
Spokesperson for Mbombela City Municipality, Mr Joseph Ngala, said the allegations are serious.
“The municipality is not aware of the infrastructure being damaged and it is very selfish of people to do so because the government is investing money to improve infrastructure.
“Tanks were initially introduced as a relief measure, but selling water has become a thriving business in the communities.
“The matter will be investigated and should the culprits be found, the law will take its course,” said Ngala.
