Vukani residents continue to experience water access issues, with some complaining that they sometimes go without water for up to a month.
Vukani residents continue to experience water access issues, with some complaining that they sometimes go without water for up to a month.
Residents say that even when water returns, it is only for a couple of days before another dry spell.
They allege that the community’s right to access the basic water supply is not being met.
The magnitude of this water shortage has also resulted in the infringement of other rights enshrined in the South African Bill of Rights, including the right to dignity and a healthy environment.
Residents say that during outages there is simply not enough access to alternative water sources.
“There is a tap in A Street for when the water goes off – but that is very far to walk,” said Faniswa Maqanda.
Residents say Makana Municipality does not warn them before a water outage or provide reasons for why it is happening.
They say they have to resort to using nearby vegetation to relieve themselves, which is potentially harmful to their health and does not meet basic sanitation standards.
The Water Services Act provides a minimum standard of water to maintain hygienic living and excreta management.
In addition, the quality of the water, when it is supplied, is often questionable.
“When water does come back, it’s usually in the early hours of the morning and it is dirty,” said Nomhle Gamshini. This means that the full use of this water is often limited.
Residents complained that Makana Municipality generally fails to take measures to assist them when outages occur.
“[Municipal] trucks bring water, but we have to pay for this water,” said Thembeka Sandi.
“It’s better now because it’s voting time. After the vote there won’t be any [water],” said Sandi.
The inconsistency of the supply of water has left residents doubtful as to whether this signals a long-term improvement.
