MATIBIDI – Patients who bring their own water to the local clinic, is not a new phenomenon in the region.
Last year a chronic water shortage affected Themba Hospital and now it is Matibidi’s residents who must ensure they bring their own water when seeking medical treatment.
Two weeks ago, water supply to the Elandsfontein Clinic and local schools ceased. After an investigation by the clinic manager and the teachers, two very different reasons were provided for this state of affairs by the Thaba Chweu Municipality (TCM).
“Some were told that the water pump that supplies the area was broken, while others were told that TCM had failed to pay the Eskom account,” explained DA councillor for the region, Mr Johan Ligthelm.
Community members also contacted the unit manager, Mr Elleck Mohlala, who informed them that the municipal vehicles were without petrol.
In August this year, a letter was addressed to the then municipal manager when water shortages had carried on in the region for three months.
“People were using wheelbarrows and carts to collect water, involving old people and children, to cart it over long distances to their homes,” Ligthelm highlighted in this letter.
At this time, the reason for the problem was given as burnt cables.
Thaba Chweu communications manager Mr Puleng Mapheto told Lowvelder on Monday morning that he would attempt to discover what the reason for the lack of water was.
The initial request was sent to Thaba Chweu on Thursday. At the time of going to print Lowvelder had not been able to establish contact with him again.
