“We also need face masks and sanitizers”
The community expressed these sentiments when the media converged at the first water borehole that was officially handed over to them by the Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane and the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo.
JERUSALEM – The poor community pleaded for protective amenities to protect themselves from the dreaded disease, coronavirus yesterday when they spoke to the media.
They expressed these sentiments when the media converged at the first water borehole that was officially handed over to them by the Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane and the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo.
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While awaiting the arrival of the leadership, Mpumalanga News inquired from them if they already received sanitizers, gloves, face masks and had their homes fumigated since the declaration of the national disaster.
The rapid response from the community gathered there was that they have not had any visit from authorities including the department of health.
“We only see sanitizers, face masks and fumigation taking place on our television screens daily, but not here.
“The Department of Health has not been to our area since Covid-19 was declared. No one from the municipality has been here. We also yearn for them to supply us and feel protected like everyone else in the country as we witness on our screens.”
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“Today is the very first time that we are having authorities coming here and we are happy that at last we are being considered for protection.
“At least our water blues are being addressed because we were suffering all along even before this pandemic struck. We fetched water on our heads in buckets which we collected from about a kilometer away,” said a resident, Henry Manana.
“When the call to wash our hands repeatedly clean, we wondered where we would take that water from because the one we collected on our heads and wheelbarrows, was meant for cooking and self hygiene. Clothes we washed a kilometer away.
“At least now we can conform to the washing of hands and have water in abundance. We’re looking forward to seeing the rest of the departments servicing us with the rest so that we are on par with everyone in the country,” said Skhumbuzo Malumane.
