Taps are running dry in the Free State, Kroonstad, because of loadshedding. Residents are now unable to complete basic daily routines with little or no water.
The water struggle started about a month ago and residents are left without direction.
A resident in Kroonstad, Patricia Morake, said: “I live in number 7980 Kroonstad, Free state. I am 69 years old and I have been negatively affected by the water shortage in the Moqhaka municipality.
“Water has been completely off for two weeks and counting, with no proper communication to the community. We were told that a water truck would come around to provide water but that is inconsistent and does not come to everyone.
“It’s challenging to cook, wash and use the bathroom, which are basic needs. When it’s one or two days it’s just an inconvenience, but to go so long without water becomes difficult.
“We must go far to fetch water and we are old, and some people are sickly. I was just fortunate to have my kids visit me and help fetch water for me, otherwise I don’t know how I would have managed. We are constantly filling five litre bottles and buckets which get used up in less than a day.
“The most frustrating part is that we are not sure when the water will be restored or what is the cause. I really don’t know.”
Municipal spokesperson, Dika Kheswa, said the municipality has dispatched 10 water trucks to Maokeng (Kroonstad township) and four additional trucks will also be added on Thursday. He says each ward will also be allocated a water truck for funerals and health care facilities, whilst the municipality is busy fixing reservoirs to increase the water storage capacity in Maokeng.
“The trial run on the technical operation of the reservoir will be done on Thursday. Residents are therefore urged to be in contact with their respective councillors, as they will be in control of these water trucks,” added Kheswa.
Meanwhile, Kheswa apologised to residents for the inconvenience and further stated that the municipality is working around the clock to ensure that residents have access to water.
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