On Friday, March 25 community members took to the steets in protest and barricaded the main road to their homestead.

According to the residents they were burning tyres and blocked roads with rocks, because they were without water due to a main pipe that is blocked.

“We have been without water for the past two weeks.

The contractor who was suppose to replace the old main pipe ended up blocking water flow to the village.

There has been no supply of water since.

“We are now dependent on the Richindzele River for water.

“The river is full of dirt and used nappies, but we have no choice but to use that water,” explained Aubrey Mametja, a Khujwana Village resident.

Also read: Nkowankowa a no-gone zone during protests

Mametja told LETABA HERALD that they boil their drinking water first before they can consume it.

He also indicated that they could not get clear answers from the local councillors as to when they would get assistance.

After several attempts they decided to resort to protest.

Some of the female protesters took off their bras and exposed their breasts to HERALD’s camera to symbolise them being stripped of their human rights.

“I’m exposing my breasts because they smell due to lack of water.

I’m saying they must give me water so I can wash my smelly breasts,” said an infuriated protester.

Following the strike residents reported that Mopani District Municipality (MDM) fixed the pipes, which now provides water to some areas in the village.

At the time of going to press HERALD could not reach the MDM for comment on whether the water supply had been fully restored.