The thirsty communities of Tswika, Nthabalala, Masethe, Mubvumoni, Tshiozwi, Gogobole, Ramantsha, Tshikuwi, Luvhalani, Tshituni and Divhani within the jurisdiction of  the Makhado municipality have not received a drop of water from their taps since October 2008.

The residents endured the festive season without a drop of water flowing from their taps. “We have been without water since October last year,” said Rudzani Siliga of Tshiozwi.

Siliga stated that they were not satisfied with the service from the municipality. “We are only getting water from people who have boreholes, and residents are losing money every day as they have to buy water,” he said. He explained that those without transport had to pay more than R5 for 20 liters of water during the festive season.

Ms Marandela Mungayi of Nthabalala said that people in the area were suffering without water. “We are hardly cooking because of the shortage of water and we fear to go to the river, because of cholera. People who have boreholes are benefiting a lot,” Marandela said.

The spokesperson of the Makhado Municipality, Mr Louis Bobodi, said in the Nthabalala area some of the water pumps were stolen.

In the Nzhelele area, residents are denied water from the Mutshedzi dam by people who are making illegal connections, said Bobodi. “Drastic steps will be taken against those people who are responsible for illegal water connections,” he said. According to him, as a result of illegal water connections, the municipality has divided the estimated consumption figures of villagers amongst all who do not have meters and they are forced to pay for the thieves’ actions.

He stated that all the illegal connections are some of the reasons why the municipality is experiencing water shortages in some villages. “The best way is to press criminal charges against them,” said Bobodi. He appealed to community members to report illegal water connections.