HOEDSPRUIT – Residents of Turkey village in Ward 7 of Maruleng Municipality have reportedly been without reliable drinking water for more than a decade, forcing some to collect water from a well shared with animals.

The DA has called on Maruleng Local Municipality and Mopani District Municipality (MDM) to urgently address the crisis.

DA representative Marie Helm said years of complaints and promises had yielded little progress, with many households and Rakgolokwana High School still without water.

Reservoir reportedly full as taps stay dry

Residents reportedly rely on costly private water deliveries or unsafe water sources, while municipal water tankers remain absent.

According to DA ward candidate Reckson Mogofe, a reservoir above the village contains water, but damaged pipes and faulty valves prevent it from reaching households. A promised replacement pipe has yet to be delivered, while a local borehole remains unusable due to a faulty pump.

Petition submitted to municipality

Following a community meeting on October 5, more than 300 residents signed a petition submitted to Maruleng Municipality on October 8, demanding urgent action and feedback within five working days.

Helm criticised both municipalities for failing to resolve the problem, saying access to reliable water was essential for health, education and economic development.

Water dispute linked to alleged killing

The village’s water crisis has previously been linked to conflict. In September 2020, communal farmer Moshwene Frans Mokgotho was allegedly killed by a mob following a dispute over water access.

“Turkey’s residents have waited long enough. A full reservoir and empty promises mean little when the taps remain empty,” Helm said.

MDM, the designated water services authority, was approached for comment. However, spokesperson Mildred Risaba had not responded by the time of going to print.