Silas Nduvheni
LIMPOPO – RESIDENTS of Thohoyandou unit E, formerly known as Ha-Magidi, have resolved to take action should they not have a water supply soon.
This in spite of a recent water summit held by the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) aimed at resolving the water crisis and implementing a bulk water infrastructure plan.
Speaking on behalf of Thohoyandou unit E residents, Booi Phalanndwa, said residents had had no water for almost three months and they did not see why they should pay for services that were not effectively rendered to them.
On Sunday, residents gathered at Magidi Primary School to discuss the problem. Thulamela ward 23 councillor, Thomas Nethonzhe was also invited to the meeting.
It was resolved by residents at the meeting that if the water crisis was not solved with immediate effect, they would embark on a protest march and block access to all the roads leading to Thohoyandou unit E and the surrounding villages.
“We were told that when Nandoni Dam was completed and operating, our water shortage would no longer exist, but our taps are still dry,” Phalanndwa said.
One resident, Nkhanedzeni Dzaga, said they were worried about being billed by the municipality for water they had not received.
“We don’t even have a sewer system but are being billed for sewage services,” he said.
Nethonzhe said he was very worried over the residents he served not receiving services.
He promised to have the water committee come to the area next week to see if the water problem could be resolved.
VDM spokesperson, Matodzi Ralushai, said the municipality was aware of the water shortage in Thohoyandou unit E and the surrounding area. He promised to send the water technical team to determine why there was no water in the area.
