HLANGANANI – Several of the Hlanganani villagers have not been getting water since last year July due to an extreme water shortage in the area.

After a recent meeting with officials from the Department of Water Affairs, it was revealed that the cause of water shortage was the water filters in the Middle Letaba Dam that were damaged and that only four of the twelve filters are in working condition. The water shortage has caused some of the villagers to use water from local streams for survival.

According to Mr Morris Mbhombi, chairperson of the Nwamatatani Civic Organization, the Department of Water Affairs stated that the damaging of eight water filters, illegal connections and vandalism to street water taps are among some of the causes of water shortages to other areas.

Mbhombi further indicated that the Department was in the processes of repairing the damaged water filters and street water taps and cleaning the dams. Mr Morris Masingi, one of the Water Reprehensive Committee from Wisa-galaza section indicated that most of the families at Wisa-galaza have been without water since last August. "We only hope that the Department of Water Affairs will soon help us because our water taps have been changed into toys," he said.

Members of the community of Vhangani Village, which has been heavily affected by the water shortage in the area, have to travel a distance of about two to three kilometers to fetch water. Their only hope is for the government to come and rescue them. Their water problem started in 1996.

As some communities are getting water from nearby streams the Department has warned of the possible danger of contaminating diseases such as cholera.