Various areas in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region continues to be affected by water challenges. Some residents in Cokonyane, Taung Extension, and Vryburg said they have lost hope.
One of the residents, Mmasabatha Mokai said water scarcity affects their livelihoods. Mokai said the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality does not care about their well-being amid COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is so sad to see the municipality ignoring the fact that water is the most pivotal basic need. Water is one of the absolute essentials for life, but we are struggling. We are forced to wake up at around 4am to be able to get water from taps.
“During the day, water taps are running dry and we cannot bathe nor do laundry. We urge the municipality to ensure that we get water regularly. How does the government expect us to adhere to COVID-19 regulations without water?” she asked.
Another resident, Mosimanegape Mosimanetau shared the same sentiments. Mosimanetau said water assists them to maintain proper hygiene.
“Proper hygiene is one of the best ways to ward off preventable diseases. The current COVID-19 pandemic is driving this point home stronger than ever, as hand-washing is one of the best tools we have in slowing the spread of the disease.
“We sometimes spend three days without access to drinking water. However, I can see that the problem is water tinkering. Some individuals are conniving with government officials to ensure that the water tinkering system is in place so that they can benefit,” he said.
However, the embattled executive mayor for the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Boitumelo Mahlangu who downplayed the issue, said they are not getting enough water that can be provided to larger communities. However, Mahlangu said there is a bulk water project that they are building and it was supposed to be completed a long time ago.
“The project is about nine years now and we are trying by all means to complete it. The reservoirs are ready but the project has been stopped by unnecessary things that were not even supposed to be the cause.
“Now, we hope that by December, we will be able to provide the whole community of Taung with water. We will also share that water with Naledi and Pudimoe. Remember, there will be things people want to see happening and also we might not have a financial stability to implement whatever they need,” she said.
Mahlangu also added that they will visit the Vaalharts Scheme in Maphoitsile village near Taung and address this matter. The municipality invested R150 million of taxpayers’ money into the VBS Mutual Bank of which R100 million was from the Regional Infrastructure Grant (RIG), while R25 million from the Equitable Share-Free Basic Services and R25 million was from the Building Fund.
The Guardian 
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