Dalphine Tagwireyi
For some time, the residents in Balfour, Mpumalanga, got their supply of water from tankers because their taps were dry.
Now the water supply has been restored but it is so dirty that residents in the areas, served by Dipaleseng Local Municipality, fear they may get diseases.
Mzukisi Qwabe told Scrolla.Africa the community is fearful that the dirty water might cause a cholera outbreak.
“When people die from illnesses that’s when they will do something about our dirty and undrinkable water,” said Mzukisi.
He explained that during the budget speech of 2015, the municipality promised to build a water laboratory and test the water every three weeks.
“But here we are with dirty water,” he said.
Qwabe further expressed that Gert Sibande district has failed
residents dismally and they should be ashamed of themselves.
Acting municipal manager, Johnny Mogkatsi said the problems are due to the old and dilapidated infrastructure which has deteriorated over the years.
“The old water supply system was designed for a relatively small community with a small supply capacity. The old water supply system has asbestos pipes that are constantly bursting,” he said.
“Over the years, the municipality has experienced population growth and developments which have resulted in increased supply demand.”
He said the system requires a complete overhaul.
“The municipality has to have on numerous projects to address the problem. It aims to correct this serious situation and eliminate all water supply
challenges by the end of 2023,” he said.
He said the quality of the water is sampled, tested regularly and monitored by the municipality at the laboratory at the Gert Sibande District Municipality and that tests are also conducted by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
