Ackerville residents are counting on businesses for relief

Residents of Ackerville are struggling.

Poor service delivery, no water, and no infrastructure are making it hard for the residents to have hope.

One local company is going above and beyond by playing its part in making sure that residents with no access to water can now fill up their buckets and drums.

Wenzane Consulting and Construction took on this initiative with both hands after they were approached by another local business, Franken Fish Water Solutions.

Each week, twice a week, a 25 000 litre tanker has been making its way to three different sections in Ackerville.

These sections have no electricity and no water. The residents are dependent on the water that is provided by the public and business sectors.

“This project has been running since the first week of March this year, last year we assisted a disabled home with necessities. This in turn made us build a good relationship with the community,” said the HR manager of Wenzane, Charné Flemming.

Charné said that the company decided to join hands with Franken Fish Water Solutions to assist the community with water as the company has the water tanks to get the job done.

Charné said that every Tuesday and Thursday the company supplies these drought-stricken areas with water.

On March 24, residents of Ackerville were ready and waiting with glee for the water tanker to arrive.

One resident, Alfina Riba, who has six children and has been living in the area since 1992 has been very grateful for the donation of empty five-litre bottles that can be used to fill up with water. “We are all humans that are here and we need help,” pleaded Alfina.

Alfina could not contain her excitement when Wenzane first delivered water to the community. All she could do is hug everybody and she could not contain her joy.

Another resident, Rose Bhutelezi, a single parent, said that it is not only the water that is the problem but the infrastructure and grounds. “Our kids should be able to play here; these grounds we use are in very bad shape. The kids can’t play here anymore.

Charné said that she would really like other companies to join hands with this project. “We would like to ask residents of eMalahleni to please donate empty plastic bottles to the cause, the Ackerville residents can put them to good use. Many of us throw these empty bottles away every day, taking something so important for others for granted. Water is a basic human right and many also take it for granted. These residents are so grateful for the water. The joy and relief we can bring to these areas are visible every time we visit Ackerville. Just that little bit of attention and support means so much to these underprivileged people,” said Charné.

Maloke Mashabela, a community leader for Ward 11 said that he is so grateful for the companies that are taking hands to help and support the community. “The community needs water and electricity and also infrastructure such as pipes and drainage. We went to the municipality and aired our complaints and we were told that we should move, even though some residents have been staying here for 29 years. These are peoples’ homes and they can not expect them to move because schools and two churches have already been erected here. If the schools, churches, and railway lines have been approved, it means that a community has been established. When we are told that the only option for us is to move, we find it very worrisome,” said Malone.

Maloke also said that they are looking for help with solar panels. “During the night children can not study. Winter is also on the way and these families are going to suffer. Because of the lack of electricity, these residents are easy targets for criminals. What they have left gets stolen by these criminals and the safety of the residents is a huge concern,” Maloke said.

Maloke also said that they have asked for streetlights because criminals see the dark as an opportunity.

Another issue faced by the community is the dumping grounds.

Maloke said that this is a very big health issue and the community is resorting to burning the refuse or else it will negatively impact the health of residents and especially children.

“All of these challenges have been reported, but no one is responding,” said Maloke.

WITBANK NEWS reached out to municipal spokesperson Lebo Mofokeng, but did not receive any comment.

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