Connections still a huge problem

MBOMBELA – Water supply is still a challenge in some areas around Mbombela and the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. As a result, many residents have resorted to illegal water connections in areas such as Marite and Thembelihle near KaBokweni.

This nightmare has raised a serious concern for the MEC of cooperative governance and traditional affairs,
Ms Refilwe Mthsweni to such an extent that she has sent out a stern warning to community members who are involved in this act.

“As a department, we have noted that there are residents who illegally connect water in different municipalities in the province.
This is a very serious problem and we condemn that. Those who are found on the wrong side of the law, will face the music.
“I must indicate that as a department, we are doing our best to address the problem of water supply. In some areas under Bushbuckridge that struggle to get water, we have provided big water tankers.
“Meanwhile water projects are underway and we also did the same thing in Steenbok and Mangweni in Nkomazi and Matsulu which is under the Mbombela Local Municipality,” Mthsweni explained.

She indicated she had assurance that the province would, in the next coming years, no longer face challenges of water supply as she has faith in Rand Water, the new suppliers.

“We are working with Rand Water, which is an institution that has capacity of running water projects and we are happy about the progress.
“I’d like to urge our people to be patient as we work tirelessly to ensure that all citizens have access to water,” she said.

Most of the impatient people who resorted to illegal water connections who interacted with Mpumalanga News regarding this matter said they were sick and tired of empty promises and the poor services they received from the trucks responsible for supplying water in areas struggling to get water.

Mr Bernard Mashilwane said, “I don’t blame the people who are guilty because they are struggling.

“We don’t see any sign of progress when it comes to improving service delivery.
“This illegal activity will send a clear message to our leaders that we are in dire need of water because it’s a source of life.”