“It’s a daily struggle,” said an Ext 8 resident, who claims the community’s battle to access basic water has reached a critical point.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the ongoing lack of a reliable water supply is not only an inconvenience but also poses a serious health risk.

He alleged that many households have been without consistent running water since August 2025.

“We are heading towards a year now. Residents in the lower-lying areas receive water through their taps in the evenings, but those living in the higher-lying areas are still struggling,” he said.

According to the resident, the water tankers provided by the Lekwa Local Municipality are insufficient to meet the needs of the entire community.

“The ward is so big, and there is only one water tanker serving everyone,” he said.

He explained that by the time the tanker reaches the next street, the water has often already run out.

“We are affected every single day,” he said.

The resident believes the municipality needs to open the necessary valves to restore the water supply and alleged that political interference is preventing residents from receiving basic services.

“Let the water come through our taps. It has happened before where we had water coming through our taps,” he said.

He described the daily hardship faced by many residents.

“You will see elderly women pushing wheelbarrows at around 05:00 every morning, searching for water with no luck,” he said.

He added that schools in the area have also been battling water shortages since they were established.

“There are learners who get sick because toilets can’t be flushed,” he alleged.

The resident said some desperate community members resort to opening fire hydrants to access water.

“Fire hydrant water is not fit for human consumption, but how else must our people survive without water?” he asked.

Despite their frustration, the resident expressed appreciation to Kasselman Security Services for assisting the community by supplying water tanks.

“Thank you for lending a hand in our time of need. Not only with the water, but also by rendering services where the municipality has failed,” he said.

Kasselman Security Services, a community-based company, is well known for supporting local initiatives, including clean-up campaigns, feeding programmes and other community assistance projects.

According to Jandré Kasselman, the company stepped in to assist residents affected by the ongoing water shortages where possible.

“We try to assist wherever we can. We can’t leave people struggling,” said Kasselman.

According to Lekwa Local Municipality spokesperson Lubabalo Majenge, Ext 8, which is situated on higher ground, is typically the last area to receive water after any supply interruption.

Majenge said the municipality is also battling ageing and inadequate infrastructure, while water demand exceeds the available supply, contributing to ongoing disruptions.

ALSO READ: Councillor in Govan Mbeki Municipality is concerned about state of electricity boxes

Ageing infrastructure has also resulted in frequent pipe bursts, further affecting water supply.

“There is one water truck dedicated to delivering water to Standerton Extension 8,” said Majenge.

He added that the municipality is replacing the leaking clear water storage tank by constructing a new one, with construction currently underway.

“The municipality has also completed a feasibility study to source funding for the upgrade of bulk water infrastructure,” he said.

Majenge said the completion of the new clear water storage tank is expected to improve water supply to the community, while upgrading and replacing ageing infrastructure will help ensure a more reliable water supply in future.