Buziwe Nocuze
Criminals are repeatedly stealing diesel generators at the pump station in Mngazana in Port St John’s, in the Eastern Cape, and it’s costing residents clean water.
The taps in Khwanyana village are currently little more than decorations because there is no water and residents are forced to drink with their animals.
Those who can afford to spend the money pay as much as R800 to access clean water.
A resident told Scrolla.Africa they hire vehicles twice a month, meaning they pay close to R1,000 to get clean water.
“And those areas are about 20 kilometres away,” said the resident Those who can’t afford a vehicle are forced to drink dirty water.
“The water is dirty and people have to fight with animals to get the water. If you take too long you clash with animals from the river,” another resident said.
For many years, the councillors they have been voting for have been promising that they are going to provide services which include clean water.
Amanda Mntuyedwa said they are unemployed and can’t even afford food, let alone having to buy water.
“Our children get sick from the dirty water but we are forced to use it. Every time we vote with the hope that something new will happen.
“But there are no services. If criminals are the reason for us not to have water, why can’t they hire security?” asked Mntuyedwa.
ANC Ward 3 Councillor Makhosandile Madotyeni said taps were installed, but criminals are making things difficult for services to be provided.
They steal diesel, generators and batteries from the pump station,” said Madotyeni.
He urged the community to work together in reporting those who steal from them.
“That infrastructure belongs to the community; they must protect it by reporting the criminals because they know who they are.”
The forum will be formed to safeguard the pump station.
