Residents block road over water crisis
Villagers in Ward 10 took to the D4190 in protest on Monday, highlighting years of water shortages that have forced many households to rely on boreholes, unsafe natural sources, and costly alternatives.
Frustrated community members from several villages in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality’s Ward 10 blocked the busy D4190 near Mamphokgo Village on Monday morning, demanding urgent intervention from the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) over longstanding water shortages.
Residents say the water crisis has persisted for about 14 years, affecting communities in Mamphokgo, Moganyaka, New Stand, Manapyane, Mmakgatle, Moeding, and Matilu villages, as well as Leeuwfontein Township and its surrounding sections.
Due to the lack of reliable water, many residents are forced to buy water from households with boreholes or resort to unsafe sources such as rivers, streams and trenches that are also used by animals.
Community leader Mike Mampana said the protest was sparked by years of frustration over what residents described as a lack of response from authorities.
“The residents are fed up and demand immediate action. They have raised this issue for a long time without receiving meaningful assistance. This protest came after all other efforts failed,” said Mampana.
He added that the community has given the municipality seven days from the day of the protest to resolve the problem.
SDM spokesperson Lemson Moropjane confirmed that municipal officials engaged with residents of Ward 10 following the protest.
Moropjane said the current disruption in the water supply was caused by a pipeline that requires repairs.
“The pipeline is located in a local river and requires excavation machinery to retrieve and reposition it before repairs can be carried out. Municipal operations and maintenance teams, together with technicians from Lepelle Northern Water, are on site attending to the problem and will remain in the area until water supply is fully restored,” Moropjane said.
He added that the technical team has begun preparations to pump water into the local reservoir in an effort to stabilise supply to the affected communities.
“Furthermore, a dedicated task team has been established to closely monitor the situation and ensure consistent water provision,” Moropjane added.
The municipality also confirmed that six boreholes were installed in the area last year as a temporary measure while a permanent solution is being pursued.
Executive Mayor Minah Bahula commended the teams working on the ground for their swift response and thanked residents for co-operating with the municipality in resolving the matter.
