By Luvuyo Mjekula
The Makana Municipality has responded to allegations that there was no water to fight the fire that claimed the life of 75-year-old Mrhodes Nondlwana in Tantyi Location, Makhanda, about two weeks ago.
A prominent community leader has claimed the elderly man’s life could have been spared had there been water in the area at the time. Archbishop Nkosinathi Ngesi of the Makhanda Concerned Residents (MCR) publicly blamed the tragedy on the unavailability of water. Ngesi said Nondlwana was “trapped in a fire and died in those flames. Unfortunately, the neighbours could not assist because they had no water.”
Nondlwana’s body was found in the rubble following an investigation by first responders to the incident on Friday, 27 June. According to a police statement, his family saw smoke coming from the house. The local fire department was summoned, and firefighters extinguished the blaze.
Sizani did not provide further details on the Ghost Town blaze, but called for an urgent investigation of the L Street fire. Sizani said: “It is alleged that the fire could not be contained due to the unavailability of water in the area, despite efforts from neighbours to assist. This heartbreaking incident highlights the critical need for reliable access to basic services, including water, in our communities.”
He urged the community to come together to support those affected and to advocate for improved infrastructure and emergency services to prevent such incidents. “The failures of the ANC-led municipality in Makhanda are negatively affecting the residents and leaving families distraught,” Sizani asserted.
Makana Municipality’s media spokesperson, Anele Mjekula, said water is available in all areas in Makhanda, and when it is not available, municipal trucks deliver water to affected residents.
Mjekula said firefighters managed to extinguish the L Street blaze. He said that after the Fire Services control room was informed of a housefire at 26 L Street at 9.29 am on Friday, a fire brigade crew attended to the incident.
Mjekula said the brigade crew found the four-roomed house “well alight” and extinguished the fire using one line from the medium pumper and water truck. He confirmed the deceased man’s body was found at the scene, and the police took control. Mjekula added that the cause of the fire is undetermined at this stage.
He responded to allegations of a lack of water. “Water is available to all areas– in the Eastern side, from early morning, at approximately 5 am, to early evening at approximately 6 pm. On the Western side, water is available 24/7.”
He attributed intermittent water supply to the shortage of a third pump and excessive water leaks on the Eastern side.
Mjekula stated that two municipal water trucks delivered water to areas without water.
He said the municipality is in the process of obtaining a third pump to ensure a stable and consistent water supply. A purchase order of R2.6 million was issued to the service provider, he said.
However, the pump will be delivered 16 weeks from now. “We are planning to obtain the third pump this year and a fourth pump to be on standby by April 2026.
