Lack of water in Mpumalanga threatens further Covid-19 infection
In some parts of the province and in the deep rural areas, taps have not flowed for weeks, or even months.
This is with the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic looming over Mbombela and surrounding areas.
On Monday, the minister of water and sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu, instructed the department to provide emergency water in rural areas, informal settlements and public areas in response to the virus. However, speaking to residents in Bushbuckridge, Pienaar, Mjejane, Mataffin and Entokozweni, most have lost hope in the government.
“We are concerned about the Covid-19 and that we have to constantly wash our hands, and we do not even have water to drink. How are we supposed to be safe when we go for three weeks without water?” asked a resident from Gedlembane.
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A community member from Bushbuckridge, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is strange how water will suddenly become available in such situations. “Anyway, let us continue voting for the ANC.”
South Africa has now over 100 positive cases of the virus, with two recorded in the province. According to the Department of Health, washing your hands regularly with soap and water offers more protection against Covid-19.
“This is a joke! This government has been making false promises for years, which shows they do not take people seriously. It is either there is no clean water, or no water at all. So how will we wash our hands? Does this mean we must die?” said Sakhile Zondo from Mjejane.
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A media enquiry was sent to the Mpumalanga Department of Water and Sanitation. At the time of going to press, there was no response. However, the provincial department’s spokesperson, Themba Khoza, hinted of a strategy developing at the minister’s instruction.
The city of Mbombela spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, had not responded to a media enquiry at the time of publishing this article.
