Residents of Sand River are still facing a water crisis and claim that the City of Mbombela (CoM) has remained silent.

The community enjoyed running water for just two months in late 2024 before the supply was abruptly stopped, with no explanation from the CoM. Although the necessary infrastructure has been in place for nearly a decade, residents are still left waiting this basic necessity.

The situation worsened further when water tanker deliveries stopped in July 2024. Residents are now forced to share unsafe water sources with animals, or rely on costly alternatives. The cost of a private tank and bought water is an expense unaffordable for most in a community struggling with high unemployment.

ALSO READ: Municipality silent on Sand River’s deepening water crisis

One unemployed resident relying on a social grant, Bafana Nkuna, told Lowvelder that hopes were high when pipes were installed and again when water flowed for two months, but those hopes were short-lived. “Now, we are back to square one and the silence from the municipality is deafening. We have a right to know what happened and when we can expect a solution,” Nkuna said.

Vusi Nkosi added, “The municipality doesn’t care about the people they are supposed to serve. We have been without water for more than a year now. Water is a basic right, and we should receive it without hassle. If they are failing to supply water to the taps they installed, why aren’t the water tankers being sent again?”

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The CoM’s alleged lack of communication has fuelled frustration and anger among residents, many of whom voted these officials into power. The community says they feel ignored and neglected, and are calling for immediate action and a clear explanation regarding the failed water project and ongoing lack of supply.

Residents say that the situation highlights yet another failure by the CoM in service delivery, putting the health and wellbeing of the Sand River community at risk while the municipality fails to uphold its constitutional mandate to provide water – a basic human right.

CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala said the water supply challenges in Sand River are complex, with a mix of formal and informal connections, and areas without reticulation pipes currently relying on water tankers.

To address the issues, the municipality has outlined several steps:

1. Identify and address illegal connections: Conduct a thorough survey to identify unauthorised connections and take enforcement action to disconnect them.
2. Upgrade bulk infrastructure: Reinforce bulk distribution pipelines and upgrade existing storage reservoirs to accommodate additional demands.
3. Implement water metering and monitoring: Install meters to track water usage and detect leaks or unauthorised connections.
4. Optimise water tanker scheduling: Adjust tanker schedules to prioritise areas without formal network connections.
5. Plan for future infrastructure development: Develop a long-term plan to extend reticulation pipes to areas currently without formal network connections.
6. Engage with the community: Educate residents about the importance of formal connections and the negative impact of illegal connections.
7. Commission the Nyongane New Booster Pump station: Once operational, this will help alleviate stress on undersupplied areas with formal network connections.

“By addressing these challenges, we aim to work towards a more equitable and sustainable water supply system for Sand River,” Ngala said. “Communities are encouraged to contact their councillors for updates on water tanker schedules and priority areas. In Ward 25, Cllr Sipho Makubela is responsible.”