Dams are full, but taps still dry

Waainek dams are full to capacity but locals from some parts of Grahamstown are still complaining about empty taps.

A reliable source who did not want to disclose their identity said, "Two weeks ago here in Waainek, municipality representatives told us that the Waainek dams were full and there was enough water to last us at least two years. I was so happy to hear that because I can't remember the last time I saw water pouring out of my tap, till this day I'm still waiting for the water that we were promised."

Johan Ferreira, a brick transporter from Dagbreek Transport said that the water pressure is so low it takes five minutes if not longer to fill up a 20 litre container. "We just can't wash our trucks which is a problem because we have to drive on public roads everyday," added Ferreira.

According to Joos Vos of Eastern Province (EP) Skydiving, they had to put up a water tank on the side of their building to get water but the tank has also dried up. Vos said that now they have to buy water from the Fire brigade which is delivered in trucks, but on top of this they are still paying their monthly water rate payment.

Strowan Road resident Erick Bellingan said, "The Fire department supplies us with water but I had to put up a tank and install a motor to pump the water from the tank to the bathroom, altogether that costs me about R5 000."

Lindsay Bowles of Lindsay Bowles Construction said that all manufacturing of products has stopped because he needs water to produce his concrete products. As of 2 November, Howisonspoort dam was 48% full and Settlers dam was at 0%, despite heavy rainfall.

Both these dams supply water to most Grahamstown areas and that includes the prison and Waainek. In 9 July's report the municipal spokesperson, Thandy Matebese said, "We just have to wait and pray for the rain." It rained heavily towards the end of October to the beginning of November, but some people still do not have water.